1961 Bristol 406 vs. 1954 Bristol 405
To start off, 1961 Bristol 406 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Bristol 405. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Bristol 405 would be higher. At 2,216 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Bristol 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Bristol 405 (100 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1961 Bristol 406. (92 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1954 Bristol 405 should accelerate faster than 1961 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Bristol 406 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1954 Bristol 405.
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, 1961 Bristol 406 (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Bristol 405. (152 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1961 Bristol 406 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Bristol 405.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Bristol 406 | 1954 Bristol 405 | |
| Make | Bristol | Bristol |
| Model | 406 | 405 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2216 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 92 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68.7 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.6 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 72 L |
