1959 Bristol 406 vs. 2006 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2006 Opel Vectra is newer by 47 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 2,958 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Opel Vectra (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1959 Bristol 406. (91 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1959 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Opel Vectra weights approximately 339 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, 2006 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, 2006 Opel Vectra (370 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Bristol 406. 2006 Opel Vectra 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. 2006 Opel Vectra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Bristol 406 | 2006 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Bristol | Opel |
| Model | 406 | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2216 cc | 2958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68.7 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 61 L |
