1961 Bristol 407 vs. 1991 Mazda 323
To start off, 1991 Mazda 323 is newer by 30 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 141 more horse power than 1991 Mazda 323. (74 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Bristol 407 should accelerate faster than 1991 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Bristol 407 weights approximately 660 kg more than 1991 Mazda 323. 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, 1991 Mazda 323, 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 359 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Mazda 323. (104 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1961 Bristol 407 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Mazda 323. 1961 Bristol 407 has automatic transmission and 1991 Mazda 323 has manual transmission. 1991 Mazda 323 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 | 1991 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Bristol | Mazda |
| Model | 407 | 323 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5130 cc | 1324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 50 L |
