1959 Bristol 406 vs. 2010 Fiat 500
To start off, 2010 Fiat 500 is newer by 51 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, 2010 Fiat 500 (101 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1959 Bristol 406. (91 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1959 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Bristol 406 weights approximately 261 kg more than 2010 Fiat 500.
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, 2010 Fiat 500, 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, 1959 Bristol 406 (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Fiat 500. (132 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1959 Bristol 406 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Fiat 500. 2010 Fiat 500 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. 2010 Fiat 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Bristol 406 | 2010 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Bristol | Fiat |
| Model | 406 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2216 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68.7 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 3550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 35 L |
