1965 Bristol 409 vs. 2003 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2003 Lotus Elise is newer by 38 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 94 more horse power than 2003 Lotus Elise. (121 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Bristol 409 should accelerate faster than 2003 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Bristol 409 weights approximately 850 kg more than 2003 Lotus Elise. 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 288 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Elise. (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1965 Bristol 409 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Elise. 1965 Bristol 409 has automatic transmission and 2003 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2003 Lotus Elise 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 | 2003 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Bristol | Lotus |
| Model | 409 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1965 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5211 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 31 L |
