1959 Bristol 406 vs. 2011 Cadillac DTS
To start off, 2011 Cadillac DTS is newer by 52 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 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Cadillac DTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Cadillac DTS (292 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1959 Bristol 406. (91 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Cadillac DTS should accelerate faster than 1959 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Cadillac DTS weights approximately 552 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, 2011 Cadillac DTS, 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, 2011 Cadillac DTS (390 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Cadillac DTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Bristol 406. 2011 Cadillac DTS 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. 2011 Cadillac DTS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Bristol 406 | 2011 Cadillac DTS | |
| Make | Bristol | Cadillac |
| Model | 406 | DTS |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2216 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 292 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1818 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5273 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1463 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2936 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 68 L |
