1963 Bristol 408 vs. 1959 Ferrari 256 F1
To start off, 1963 Bristol 408 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ferrari 256 F1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ferrari 256 F1 would be higher. At 5,129 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 Bristol 408 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Ferrari 256 F1 (291 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1963 Bristol 408. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Ferrari 256 F1 should accelerate faster than 1963 Bristol 408. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Bristol 408 weights approximately 1025 kg more than 1959 Ferrari 256 F1.
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. 1963 Bristol 408 has automatic transmission and 1959 Ferrari 256 F1 has manual transmission. 1959 Ferrari 256 F1 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1963 Bristol 408 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Bristol 408 | 1959 Ferrari 256 F1 | |
| Make | Bristol | Ferrari |
| Model | 408 | 256 F1 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5129 cc | 2474 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 291 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 8600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 990 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2230 mm |
