1961 Bristol 406 vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 50 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, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1961 Bristol 406. (92 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1961 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Bristol 406 weights approximately 121 kg more than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Bristol 406.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Bristol 406 | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Bristol | Mazda |
| Model | 406 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2216 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 92 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| 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 | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 48 L |
