1963 Bristol 408 vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 49 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 33 more horse power than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (182 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Bristol 408 should accelerate faster than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 155 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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse, 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 230 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1963 Bristol 408 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Buick LaCrosse.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Bristol 408 | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Bristol | Buick |
| Model | 408 | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5129 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2837 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 59 L |
