1965 Bristol 409 vs. 1955 Porsche 356
To start off, 1965 Bristol 409 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 5,211 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 Bristol 409 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Bristol 409 (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1955 Porsche 356. (38 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Bristol 409 should accelerate faster than 1955 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Bristol 409 weights approximately 820 kg more than 1955 Porsche 356. 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. 1965 Bristol 409 has automatic transmission and 1955 Porsche 356 has manual transmission. 1955 Porsche 356 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1965 Bristol 409 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Bristol 409 | 1955 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Bristol | Porsche |
| Model | 409 | 356 |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5211 cc | 1130 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 3870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 79 L |
