1960 Bristol 406 vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 49 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, 2009 Mazda 3 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1960 Bristol 406. (91 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1960 Bristol 406.
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, 2009 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, 1960 Bristol 406 (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1960 Bristol 406 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3. 2009 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 1960 Bristol 406 has manual transmission. 1960 Bristol 406 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Bristol 406 | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Bristol | Mazda |
| Model | 406 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2215 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68.7 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.6 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 55 L |
