1963 Bristol 408 vs. 1954 Buick 40
To start off, 1963 Bristol 408 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Buick 40 would be higher. At 5,129 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 Bristol 408 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Bristol 408 (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1954 Buick 40. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Bristol 408 should accelerate faster than 1954 Buick 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Buick 40 weights approximately 90 kg more than 1963 Bristol 408.
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, 1963 Bristol 408 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Buick 40. (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1963 Bristol 408 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Buick 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Bristol 408 | 1954 Buick 40 | |
| Make | Bristol | Buick |
| Model | 408 | 40 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5129 cc | 4328 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1675 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3110 mm |
