1963 Bristol 408 vs. 1989 Ford Taurus
To start off, 1989 Ford Taurus 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 126 more horse power than 1989 Ford Taurus. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Bristol 408 should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Bristol 408 weights approximately 185 kg more than 1989 Ford Taurus. 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 Taurus, 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 287 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Taurus. (176 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1963 Bristol 408 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Bristol 408 | 1989 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Bristol | Ford |
| Model | 408 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5129 cc | 2513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2700 mm |
