1959 Bristol 406 vs. 1999 Kia Elan
To start off, 1999 Kia Elan is newer by 40 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 2,216 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Bristol 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Kia Elan (149 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1959 Bristol 406. (91 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Kia Elan should accelerate faster than 1959 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Bristol 406 weights approximately 198 kg more than 1999 Kia Elan.
Because 1959 Bristol 406 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1959 Bristol 406. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Kia Elan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1999 Kia Elan (186 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Kia Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Bristol 406.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Bristol 406 | 1999 Kia Elan | |
| Make | Bristol | Kia |
| Model | 406 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2216 cc | 1793 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2260 mm |
