1965 Bristol 409 vs. 1992 Caterham Super 7
To start off, 1992 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 27 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, 1992 Caterham Super 7 (251 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1965 Bristol 409. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1965 Bristol 409. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Bristol 409 weights approximately 1060 kg more than 1992 Caterham Super 7.
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 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Caterham Super 7. (250 Nm @ 6250 RPM). This means 1965 Bristol 409 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Caterham Super 7. 1965 Bristol 409 has automatic transmission and 1992 Caterham Super 7 has manual transmission. 1992 Caterham Super 7 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 | 1992 Caterham Super 7 | |
| Make | Bristol | Caterham |
| Model | 409 | Super 7 |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5211 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 3390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2260 mm |
