2003 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1959 Bristol 406
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 44 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 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider (248 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1959 Bristol 406. (91 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1959 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 224 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.
Because 1959 Bristol 406 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 1959 Bristol 406. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider, 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider (305 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Bristol 406.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1959 Bristol 406 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Bristol |
| Model | Spider | 406 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 2216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 248 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 68.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 99.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 81 L |
