1963 Bristol 408 vs. 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500
To start off, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 45 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 5,409 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 (500 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 285 more horse power than 1963 Bristol 408. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1963 Bristol 408. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Bristol 408 weights approximately 469 kg more than 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500.
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, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500, 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, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 (651 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Bristol 408. (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Bristol 408. 1963 Bristol 408 has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 has manual transmission. 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 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 | 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
Make | Bristol | Ford |
Model | 408 | Shelby GT 500 |
Year Released | 1963 | 2008 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5129 cc | 5409 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 215 HP | 500 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 463 Nm | 651 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1116 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4770 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1890 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2730 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 61 L |