1966 Bristol 409 vs. 1996 Ferrari 550
To start off, 1996 Ferrari 550 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Bristol 409. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Bristol 409 would be higher. At 5,474 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Ferrari 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ferrari 550 (485 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 270 more horse power than 1966 Bristol 409. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari 550 should accelerate faster than 1966 Bristol 409. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ferrari 550 weights approximately 90 kg more than 1966 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, 1996 Ferrari 550 (568 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Bristol 409. (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Ferrari 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Bristol 409. 1966 Bristol 409 has automatic transmission and 1996 Ferrari 550 has manual transmission. 1996 Ferrari 550 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1966 Bristol 409 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Bristol 409 | 1996 Ferrari 550 | |
| Make | Bristol | Ferrari |
| Model | 409 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5211 cc | 5474 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 485 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 568 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1940 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 114 L |
