1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1958 Bristol 405
To start off, 1961 Austin A 40 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Bristol 405. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Bristol 405 would be higher. At 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Bristol 405 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Bristol 405 (100 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1958 Bristol 405 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Bristol 405 weights approximately 482 kg more than 1961 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1958 Bristol 405 (152 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1958 Bristol 405 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A 40 | 1958 Bristol 405 | |
| Make | Austin | Bristol |
| Model | A 40 | 405 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 72 L |
