1961 Bristol 406 vs. 1984 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1984 Lotus Esprit is newer by 23 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, 1984 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1961 Bristol 406. (92 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1961 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Bristol 406 weights approximately 193 kg more than 1984 Lotus Esprit.
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, 1984 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Bristol 406.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Bristol 406 | 1984 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Bristol | Lotus |
| Model | 406 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2216 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 92 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68.7 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.6 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 31 L |
