1963 Bristol 408 vs. 2005 Cadillac XLR
To start off, 2005 Cadillac XLR is newer by 42 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, 2005 Cadillac XLR (301 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1963 Bristol 408. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1963 Bristol 408. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 69 kg more than 1963 Bristol 408. 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 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Cadillac XLR. (420 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1963 Bristol 408 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Cadillac XLR.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Bristol 408 | 2005 Cadillac XLR | |
| Make | Bristol | Cadillac |
| Model | 408 | XLR |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5129 cc | 4572 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1654 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 68 L |
