1965 Bristol 408 vs. 1953 Bristol 404
To start off, 1965 Bristol 408 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Bristol 404. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Bristol 404 would be higher. At 5,130 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 Bristol 408 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Bristol 408 (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1953 Bristol 404. (91 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Bristol 408 should accelerate faster than 1953 Bristol 404. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Bristol 408 weights approximately 545 kg more than 1953 Bristol 404. 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, 1965 Bristol 408 (464 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 312 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Bristol 404. (152 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1965 Bristol 408 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Bristol 404. 1965 Bristol 408 has automatic transmission and 1953 Bristol 404 has manual transmission. 1953 Bristol 404 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1965 Bristol 408 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Bristol 408 | 1953 Bristol 404 | |
| Make | Bristol | Bristol |
| Model | 408 | 404 |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1953 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5130 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 464 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 72 L |
