1961 Bristol 406 vs. 2005 Volvo V50
To start off, 2005 Volvo V50 is newer by 44 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 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 2005 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volvo V50 (208 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1961 Bristol 406. (92 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 1961 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volvo V50 weights approximately 255 kg more than 1961 Bristol 406. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Volvo V50 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1961 Bristol 406. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volvo V50 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Volvo V50 (330 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Bristol 406. 2005 Volvo V50 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. 2005 Volvo V50 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Bristol 406 | 2005 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Bristol | Volvo |
| Model | 406 | V50 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2216 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 92 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68.7 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.6 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 62 L |
