2001 Bentley Continental vs. 1959 Bristol 406
To start off, 2001 Bentley Continental is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Bristol 406. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Bristol 406 would be higher. At 6,746 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Bentley Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Bentley Continental (421 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 330 more horse power than 1959 Bristol 406. (91 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Bentley Continental should accelerate faster than 1959 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Bentley Continental weights approximately 1184 kg more than 1959 Bristol 406. 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, 2001 Bentley Continental (875 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 701 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Bentley Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Bristol 406. 2001 Bentley Continental has automatic transmission and 1959 Bristol 406 has manual transmission. 1959 Bristol 406 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Bentley Continental will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Bentley Continental | 1959 Bristol 406 | |
| Make | Bentley | Bristol |
| Model | Continental | 406 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6746 cc | 2216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 421 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 875 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.1 mm | 68.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.1 mm | 99.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2450 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5360 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 81 L |
