2008 Audi A8 vs. 1958 Bristol 406
To start off, 2008 Audi A8 is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Bristol 406. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Bristol 406 would be higher. At 2,976 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Audi A8 (217 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1958 Bristol 406. (91 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 1958 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Audi A8 weights approximately 410 kg more than 1958 Bristol 406. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 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 1958 Bristol 406. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Audi A8, 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, 2008 Audi A8 (300 Nm @ 8200 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Bristol 406.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi A8 | 1958 Bristol 406 | |
| Make | Audi | Bristol |
| Model | A8 | 406 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2976 cc | 2216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 68.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 99.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 242 km/hour | 172 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 81 L |
