1961 Bristol 406 vs. 2001 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2001 Smart Roadster is newer by 40 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 11 more horse power than 2001 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Bristol 406 should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Bristol 406 weights approximately 395 kg more than 2001 Smart Roadster. 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 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1961 Bristol 406 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Bristol 406 | 2001 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Bristol | Smart |
| Model | 406 | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2216 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 92 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68.7 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.6 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 35 L |
