1959 Bristol 406 vs. 2009 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2009 Panoz Esperante is newer by 50 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 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Panoz Esperante (420 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 329 more horse power than 1959 Bristol 406. (91 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1959 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 221 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.
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, 2009 Panoz Esperante (570 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 396 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Bristol 406.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Bristol 406 | 2009 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Bristol | Panoz |
| Model | 406 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2216 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 1487 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 59 L |
