United Kingdom vs West Germany — 1962 vs 1967
| 407 | Commodore GS/E | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 250 hp | 160 hp |
| Torque | 360 lb-ft | 173 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 5,130 cc | 2,784 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 9.2 sec | 8.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 125 mph | 124 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 17.0 sec | 16.5 sec |
| Weight | — | 2,624 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,896 mm | 2,668 mm |
| Length | 4,880 mm | 4,589 mm |
| Units Produced | — | 156,330 |
| Value (Excellent) | — | $45,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 6/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1962 Bristol 407 brings more power, higher top speed to the table, and the 1967 Opel Commodore GS/E answers with quicker acceleration, stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between United Kingdom and West Germany automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1962 Bristol 407 versus 1967 Opel Commodore GS/E is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1962 Bristol 407 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 250 hp compared to 160 hp, a 90-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Bristol 407 uses a V8 OHV Chrysler displacing 5,130 cc, while the Opel Commodore relies on a Inline-6 OHC with 2,784 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1967 Opel Commodore GS/E edges ahead at 8.5 seconds versus 9.2 seconds. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.