1961 Bristol 407 vs. 1956 Jaguar MK VIII
To start off, 1961 Bristol 407 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Jaguar MK VIII. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Jaguar MK VIII would be higher. At 5,130 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 Bristol 407 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Bristol 407 (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1956 Jaguar MK VIII. (208 HP @ 5550 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Bristol 407 should accelerate faster than 1956 Jaguar MK VIII. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Jaguar MK VIII weights approximately 180 kg more than 1961 Bristol 407.
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 407 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Jaguar MK VIII. (292 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1961 Bristol 407 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Jaguar MK VIII.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Bristol 407 | 1956 Jaguar MK VIII | |
| Make | Bristol | Jaguar |
| Model | 407 | MK VIII |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5130 cc | 3441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5550 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 106 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3050 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 77 L |
