1961 Bristol 407 vs. 1985 Ford Tempo
To start off, 1985 Ford Tempo is newer by 24 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 125 more horse power than 1985 Ford Tempo. (90 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Bristol 407 should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Bristol 407 weights approximately 480 kg more than 1985 Ford Tempo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Bristol 407 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1961 Bristol 407. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Ford Tempo, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 293 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford Tempo. (170 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1961 Bristol 407 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ford Tempo. 1961 Bristol 407 has automatic transmission and 1985 Ford Tempo has manual transmission. 1985 Ford Tempo 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 | 1985 Ford Tempo | |
| Make | Bristol | Ford |
| Model | 407 | Tempo |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5130 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2540 mm |
