1963 Bristol 408 vs. 2005 Saleen S7
To start off, 2005 Saleen S7 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 7,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Saleen S7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Saleen S7 (750 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 535 more horse power than 1963 Bristol 408. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Saleen S7 should accelerate faster than 1963 Bristol 408. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Bristol 408 weights approximately 338 kg more than 2005 Saleen S7.
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, 2005 Saleen S7 (949 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 486 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Bristol 408. (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2005 Saleen S7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Bristol 408. 1963 Bristol 408 has automatic transmission and 2005 Saleen S7 has manual transmission. 2005 Saleen S7 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 | 2005 Saleen S7 | |
| Make | Bristol | Saleen |
| Model | 408 | S7 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5129 cc | 7000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 750 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 949 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 399 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4755 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1981 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1041 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2692 mm |
