1961 Bristol 407 vs. 2012 Porsche 911
To start off, 2012 Porsche 911 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 5,130 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 Bristol 407 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche 911 (385 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 1961 Bristol 407. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1961 Bristol 407. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Bristol 407 weights approximately 80 kg more than 2012 Porsche 911.
Because 2012 Porsche 911 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1961 Bristol 407. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 will offer significantly more control. 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 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Porsche 911. (420 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1961 Bristol 407 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Porsche 911. 1961 Bristol 407 has automatic transmission and 2012 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 2012 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Bristol | Porsche |
| Model | 407 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5130 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 385 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4465 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 67 L |
