1961 Bristol 407 vs. 1978 Volvo 260
To start off, 1978 Volvo 260 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Bristol 407. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Bristol 407 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 69 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Bristol 407 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Bristol 407 weights approximately 235 kg more than 1978 Volvo 260. 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 407 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 260. (219 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1961 Bristol 407 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 260. 1961 Bristol 407 has automatic transmission and 1978 Volvo 260 has manual transmission. 1978 Volvo 260 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1961 Bristol 407 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Bristol 407 | 1978 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Bristol | Volvo |
| Model | 407 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5130 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 60 L |
