1948 Bristol 401 vs. 1987 Mazda 626
To start off, 1987 Mazda 626 is newer by 39 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1948 Bristol 401 (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1987 Mazda 626. (63 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1948 Bristol 401 should accelerate faster than 1987 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Bristol 401 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1987 Mazda 626. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1948 Bristol 401 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 401. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Mazda 626, 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 401 (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mazda 626. (115 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1948 Bristol 401 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Bristol 401 | 1987 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Bristol | Mazda |
| Model | 401 | 626 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2580 mm |
