1965 Bristol 409 vs. 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle
To start off, 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Bristol 409. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Bristol 409 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 105 more horse power than 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Bristol 409 should accelerate faster than 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Bristol 409 weights approximately 117 kg more than 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. 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 409 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. (251 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1965 Bristol 409 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. 1965 Bristol 409 has automatic transmission and 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle has manual transmission. 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle 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 | 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle | |
| Make | Bristol | Chevrolet |
| Model | 409 | Chevelle |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5211 cc | 4097 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 98.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1483 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 72 L |
