1959 Bristol 406 vs. 2005 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2005 Opel Vectra is newer by 46 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, 2005 Opel Vectra (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1959 Bristol 406. (91 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1959 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Opel Vectra weights approximately 219 kg more than 1959 Bristol 406. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 Opel Vectra, 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, 2005 Opel Vectra (265 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Bristol 406.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Bristol 406 | 2005 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Bristol | Opel |
| Model | 406 | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2216 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68.7 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 61 L |
