1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante vs. 1963 Bristol 408
To start off, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Bristol 408. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Bristol 408 would be higher. At 5,341 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1963 Bristol 408. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 1963 Bristol 408. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 229 kg more than 1963 Bristol 408. 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, 1963 Bristol 408 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante. (435 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1963 Bristol 408 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante. 1963 Bristol 408 has automatic transmission and 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante has manual transmission. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1963 Bristol 408 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante | 1963 Bristol 408 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Bristol |
| Model | V8 Volante | 408 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5341 cc | 5129 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 435 Nm | 463 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 98.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1814 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 97 L | 72 L |
