1962 Bristol 407 vs. 1986 Lancia Thema

To start off, 1986 Lancia Thema is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Bristol 407. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Bristol 407 would be higher. At 5,129 cc (8 cylinders), 1962 Bristol 407 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Bristol 407 (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1986 Lancia Thema. (118 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Bristol 407 should accelerate faster than 1986 Lancia Thema. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Bristol 407 weights approximately 370 kg more than 1986 Lancia Thema. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1962 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 1962 Bristol 407. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Lancia Thema, 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, 1962 Bristol 407 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 298 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lancia Thema. (165 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1962 Bristol 407 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lancia Thema. 1962 Bristol 407 has automatic transmission and 1986 Lancia Thema has manual transmission. 1986 Lancia Thema will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1962 Bristol 407 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1962 Bristol 407 1986 Lancia Thema
Make Bristol Lancia
Model 407 Thema
Year Released 1962 1986
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 5129 cc 1995 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 2 valves
Horse Power 215 HP 118 HP
Engine RPM 4400 RPM 5250 RPM
Torque 463 Nm 165 Nm
Torque RPM 2800 RPM 3300 RPM
Engine Bore Size 98.6 mm 84 mm
Engine Stroke Size 84.1 mm 90 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 9.0:1 9.5:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1585 kg 1215 kg
Vehicle Length 4880 mm 4600 mm
Vehicle Width 1740 mm 1740 mm
Vehicle Height 1530 mm 1440 mm
Wheelbase Size 2910 mm 2710 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 81 L 65 L