1961 Bristol 406 vs. 1978 Porsche 911
To start off, 1978 Porsche 911 is newer by 17 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 2,992 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Porsche 911 (355 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 263 more horse power than 1961 Bristol 406. (92 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1961 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Bristol 406 weights approximately 81 kg more than 1978 Porsche 911.
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, 1978 Porsche 911 (750 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 576 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Bristol 406.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Bristol 406 | 1978 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Bristol | Porsche |
| Model | 406 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2216 cc | 2992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 92 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 750 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1179 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 80 L |
