1967 Bristol 409 vs. 1997 TVR Speed 12
To start off, 1997 TVR Speed 12 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1967 Bristol 409. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1967 Bristol 409 would be higher. At 7,730 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 TVR Speed 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 TVR Speed 12 (800 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 585 more horse power than 1967 Bristol 409. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 TVR Speed 12 should accelerate faster than 1967 Bristol 409. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1967 Bristol 409 weights approximately 598 kg more than 1997 TVR Speed 12.
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, 1997 TVR Speed 12 (881 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 418 more torque (in Nm) than 1967 Bristol 409. (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1997 TVR Speed 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1967 Bristol 409. 1967 Bristol 409 has automatic transmission and 1997 TVR Speed 12 has manual transmission. 1997 TVR Speed 12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1967 Bristol 409 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1967 Bristol 409 | 1997 TVR Speed 12 | |
| Make | Bristol | TVR |
| Model | 409 | Speed 12 |
| Year Released | 1967 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 7730 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 800 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 881 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 12.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1002 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2650 mm |
