1961 Bristol 406 vs. 1965 Simca Ariane
To start off, 1965 Simca Ariane is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Bristol 406. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Bristol 406 would be higher. At 2,216 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Bristol 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Bristol 406 (92 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1965 Simca Ariane. (62 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Bristol 406 should accelerate faster than 1965 Simca Ariane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Bristol 406 weights approximately 160 kg more than 1965 Simca Ariane. 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, 1961 Bristol 406 (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Simca Ariane. (88 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1961 Bristol 406 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Simca Ariane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Bristol 406 | 1965 Simca Ariane | |
| Make | Bristol | Simca |
| Model | 406 | Ariane |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2216 cc | 1290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 92 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68.7 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| 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 | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 60 L |
