2008 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1963 Bristol 408
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 45 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, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 (256 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1963 Bristol 408. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1963 Bristol 408. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 220 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.
Because 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1963 Bristol 408. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 will offer significantly more control. 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 141 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Alfa Romeo 159. (322 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1963 Bristol 408 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Alfa Romeo 159. 1963 Bristol 408 has automatic transmission and 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 has manual transmission. 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 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:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1963 Bristol 408 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Bristol |
| Model | 159 | 408 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3195 cc | 5129 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 322 Nm | 463 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1805 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 72 L |
