1961 Bristol 407 vs. 1972 Fiat 126
To start off, 1972 Fiat 126 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Bristol 407. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Bristol 407 would be higher. At 5,130 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 Bristol 407 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Bristol 407 (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Bristol 407 should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Bristol 407 weights approximately 1005 kg more than 1972 Fiat 126. 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, 1961 Bristol 407 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 421 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1961 Bristol 407 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 126. 1961 Bristol 407 has automatic transmission and 1972 Fiat 126 has manual transmission. 1972 Fiat 126 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1961 Bristol 407 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Bristol 407 | 1972 Fiat 126 | |
| Make | Bristol | Fiat |
| Model | 407 | 126 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5130 cc | 652 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 42 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 3130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1390 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 20 L |
