1965 Bristol 409 vs. 2004 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2004 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 39 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, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1965 Bristol 409. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1965 Bristol 409. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 145 kg more than 1965 Bristol 409. 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 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Thunderbird. (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1965 Bristol 409 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Bristol 409 | 2004 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Bristol | Ford |
| Model | 409 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1965 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5211 cc | 3934 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 249 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 388 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 59 L |
