1965 Bristol 409 vs. 1989 Ford Laser
To start off, 1989 Ford Laser is newer by 24 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 113 more horse power than 1989 Ford Laser. (102 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Bristol 409 should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Bristol 409 weights approximately 545 kg more than 1989 Ford Laser. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 Bristol 409 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 1965 Bristol 409. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Laser, 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, 1965 Bristol 409 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 312 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Laser. (151 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1965 Bristol 409 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Laser. 1965 Bristol 409 has automatic transmission and 1989 Ford Laser has manual transmission. 1989 Ford Laser 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 | 1989 Ford Laser | |
| Make | Bristol | Ford |
| Model | 409 | Laser |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5211 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 80.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2510 mm |
