1948 Bristol 401 vs. 1984 Ford Sierra
To start off, 1984 Ford Sierra is newer by 36 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 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Ford Sierra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Ford Sierra (160 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 401. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Ford Sierra should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Bristol 401 weights approximately 45 kg more than 1984 Ford Sierra.
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, 1984 Ford Sierra (216 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1984 Ford Sierra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Bristol 401 | 1984 Ford Sierra | |
| Make | Bristol | Ford |
| Model | 401 | Sierra |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2610 mm |
