1963 Bristol 408 vs. 1979 Datsun Laurel
To start off, 1979 Datsun Laurel is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Bristol 408. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Bristol 408 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 102 more horse power than 1979 Datsun Laurel. (113 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Bristol 408 should accelerate faster than 1979 Datsun Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Bristol 408 weights approximately 400 kg more than 1979 Datsun Laurel. 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, 1963 Bristol 408 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 287 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Datsun Laurel. (176 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1963 Bristol 408 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Datsun Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Bristol 408 | 1979 Datsun Laurel | |
| Make | Bristol | Datsun |
| Model | 408 | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5129 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 60 L |
