1948 Bristol 401 vs. 1992 Caterham Super 7
To start off, 1992 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 44 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Caterham Super 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Caterham Super 7 (251 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 401. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Bristol 401 weights approximately 685 kg more than 1992 Caterham Super 7.
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, 1992 Caterham Super 7 (250 Nm @ 6250 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1992 Caterham Super 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Bristol 401 | 1992 Caterham Super 7 | |
| Make | Bristol | Caterham |
| Model | 401 | Super 7 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2260 mm |
