1965 Bristol 409 vs. 1996 Holden Nova
To start off, 1996 Holden Nova is newer by 31 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 110 more horse power than 1996 Holden Nova. (105 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Bristol 409 should accelerate faster than 1996 Holden Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Bristol 409 weights approximately 510 kg more than 1996 Holden Nova. 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, 1996 Holden Nova, 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 328 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Holden Nova. (135 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1965 Bristol 409 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Holden Nova.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Bristol 409 | 1996 Holden Nova | |
| Make | Bristol | Holden |
| Model | 409 | Nova |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5211 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2470 mm |
