1959 Bristol 406 vs. 1997 Jaguar XK8
To start off, 1997 Jaguar XK8 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Bristol 406. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Bristol 406 would be higher. At 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Jaguar XK8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Jaguar XK8 (290 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 199 more horse power than 1959 Bristol 406. (91 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Jaguar XK8 should accelerate faster than 1959 Bristol 406.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1997 Jaguar XK8 (393 Nm) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Bristol 406. (174 Nm). This means 1997 Jaguar XK8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Bristol 406. 1997 Jaguar XK8 has automatic transmission and 1959 Bristol 406 has manual transmission. 1959 Bristol 406 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Jaguar XK8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Bristol 406 | 1997 Jaguar XK8 | |
| Make | Bristol | Jaguar |
| Model | 406 | XK8 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2216 cc | 3996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 393 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 68.7 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.6 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2590 mm |
