1963 Bristol 408 vs. 2003 Mercury Monterey
To start off, 2003 Mercury Monterey is newer by 40 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 17 more horse power than 2003 Mercury Monterey. (198 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Bristol 408 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercury Monterey. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 425 kg more than 1963 Bristol 408.
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, 2003 Mercury Monterey, 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 104 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercury Monterey. (359 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1963 Bristol 408 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercury Monterey.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Bristol 408 | 2003 Mercury Monterey | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercury |
| Model | 408 | Monterey |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5129 cc | 4194 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 95 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 2010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3070 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 98 L |
