1948 Bristol 400 vs. 1966 Wartburg 353
To start off, 1966 Wartburg 353 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Bristol 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Bristol 400 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (6 cylinders), 1948 Bristol 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1948 Bristol 400 (79 HP) has 30 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 353. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1948 Bristol 400 should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 353. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Bristol 400 weights approximately 270 kg more than 1966 Wartburg 353. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1948 Bristol 400 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 1948 Bristol 400. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 Wartburg 353, 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, 1948 Bristol 400 (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Wartburg 353. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1948 Bristol 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Wartburg 353.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Bristol 400 | 1966 Wartburg 353 | |
| Make | Bristol | Wartburg |
| Model | 400 | 353 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 44 L |
