1960 Bristol 406 vs. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Bristol 406. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Bristol 406 would be higher. At 2,215 cc (6 cylinders), 1960 Bristol 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1960 Bristol 406. (91 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1960 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Bristol 406 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1960 Bristol 406 (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (137 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1960 Bristol 406 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Bristol 406 | 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Bristol | Mazda |
| Model | 406 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2215 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68.7 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.6 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2270 mm |
