1948 Bristol 401 vs. 1974 Volvo 164
To start off, 1974 Volvo 164 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 2,978 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Volvo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volvo 164 (142 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 401. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volvo 164 should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volvo 164 weights approximately 135 kg more than 1948 Bristol 401. 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, 1974 Volvo 164 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 Volvo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Bristol 401 | 1974 Volvo 164 | |
| Make | Bristol | Volvo |
| Model | 401 | 164 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 2978 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 58 L |
