1961 Austin A 55 vs. 1962 Bristol 407
To start off, 1962 Bristol 407 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 5,129 cc (8 cylinders), 1962 Bristol 407 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Bristol 407 (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1962 Bristol 407 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Bristol 407 weights approximately 465 kg more than 1961 Austin A 55. 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, 1962 Bristol 407 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 352 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 55. (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1962 Bristol 407 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A 55 | 1962 Bristol 407 | |
| Make | Austin | Bristol |
| Model | A 55 | 407 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 5129 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 463 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 81 L |
