1961 Bristol 406 vs. 1996 Volvo S40
To start off, 1996 Volvo S40 is newer by 35 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, 1996 Volvo S40 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1961 Bristol 406. (92 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1961 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Bristol 406 weights approximately 50 kg more than 1996 Volvo S40.
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, 1996 Volvo S40, 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, 1961 Bristol 406 (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo S40. (164 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1961 Bristol 406 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Bristol 406 | 1996 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Bristol | Volvo |
| Model | 406 | S40 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2216 cc | 1731 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 92 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 58 L |
