1960 Bristol 406 vs. 2003 Mazda 3
To start off, 2003 Mazda 3 is newer by 43 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, 2003 Mazda 3 (143 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1960 Bristol 406. (91 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1960 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 3 weights approximately 50 kg more than 1960 Bristol 406. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 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 1960 Bristol 406. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 3, 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, 2003 Mazda 3 (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Bristol 406.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Bristol 406 | 2003 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Bristol | Mazda |
| Model | 406 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2215 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68.7 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.6 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 55 L |
