1961 Bristol 407 vs. 2009 Volvo S80
To start off, 2009 Volvo S80 is newer by 48 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, 2009 Volvo S80 (232 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1961 Bristol 407. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1961 Bristol 407. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volvo S80 weights approximately 45 kg more than 1961 Bristol 407. 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, 2009 Volvo S80, 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 227 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volvo S80. (236 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1961 Bristol 407 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volvo S80.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Bristol 407 | 2009 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Bristol | Volvo |
| Model | 407 | S80 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5130 cc | 3192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 70 L |
