1961 Bristol 406 vs. 2012 Porsche 911
To start off, 2012 Porsche 911 is newer by 51 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 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche 911 (400 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 308 more horse power than 1961 Bristol 406. (92 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1961 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Porsche 911 weights approximately 135 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.
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, 2012 Porsche 911 (440 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 266 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Bristol 406.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Bristol 406 | 2012 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Bristol | Porsche |
| Model | 406 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2216 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 92 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4491 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1295 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2451 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 64 L |
