1963 Bristol 408 vs. 1989 Ford Probe
To start off, 1989 Ford Probe is newer by 26 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 75 more horse power than 1989 Ford Probe. (140 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Bristol 408 should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Probe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Bristol 408 weights approximately 270 kg more than 1989 Ford Probe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 Bristol 408 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 1963 Bristol 408. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Probe, 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, 1963 Bristol 408 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Probe. (217 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1963 Bristol 408 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Probe. 1963 Bristol 408 has automatic transmission and 1989 Ford Probe has manual transmission. 1989 Ford Probe 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 | 1989 Ford Probe | |
| Make | Bristol | Ford |
| Model | 408 | Probe |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5129 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |
