1961 Bristol 407 vs. 1985 TVR 390
To start off, 1985 TVR 390 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, 1985 TVR 390 (275 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1961 Bristol 407. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 TVR 390 should accelerate faster than 1961 Bristol 407. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Bristol 407 weights approximately 478 kg more than 1985 TVR 390.
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 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 TVR 390. (367 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1961 Bristol 407 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 TVR 390. 1961 Bristol 407 has automatic transmission and 1985 TVR 390 has manual transmission. 1985 TVR 390 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 TVR 390 | |
| Make | Bristol | TVR |
| Model | 407 | 390 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5130 cc | 3905 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 367 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 89.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1107 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2390 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 61 L |
