1961 Bristol 407 vs. 2012 Ford Shelby GT500
To start off, 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 is newer by 51 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 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 (550 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 335 more horse power than 1961 Bristol 407. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 should accelerate faster than 1961 Bristol 407. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 weights approximately 148 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.
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, 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 (691 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Bristol 407. (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Bristol 407. 1961 Bristol 407 has automatic transmission and 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 has manual transmission. 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 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 | 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 | |
| Make | Bristol | Ford |
| Model | 407 | Shelby GT500 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5130 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 550 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 691 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1733 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 61 L |
