2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1963 Bristol 408
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 39 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 5,129 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 Bristol 408 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (248 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1963 Bristol 408. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1963 Bristol 408. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Bristol 408 weights approximately 50 kg more than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 1963 Bristol 408 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1963 Bristol 408. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 163 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (300 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1963 Bristol 408 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. 1963 Bristol 408 has automatic transmission and 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 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:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1963 Bristol 408 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Bristol |
| Model | 156 | 408 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 5129 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 248 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 463 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 98.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 72 L |
