1961 Bristol 406 vs. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1985 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 24 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 2,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Bristol 406 (92 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Bristol 406 should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Bristol 406 weights approximately 130 kg more than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Bristol 406 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1961 Bristol 406. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Pontiac Grand Am, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1985 Pontiac Grand Am (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Bristol 406. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1961 Bristol 406 has manual transmission. 1961 Bristol 406 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Bristol 406 | 1985 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Bristol | Pontiac |
| Model | 406 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2216 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 92 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68.7 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.6 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2630 mm |
