1948 Bristol 401 vs. 1996 Lexus ES
To start off, 1996 Lexus ES is newer by 48 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 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Lexus ES is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lexus ES (210 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 401. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lexus ES should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lexus ES weights approximately 305 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.
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, 1996 Lexus ES, 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, 1996 Lexus ES (304 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Lexus ES will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 401. 1996 Lexus ES has automatic transmission and 1948 Bristol 401 has manual transmission. 1948 Bristol 401 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Lexus ES will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Bristol 401 | 1996 Lexus ES | |
| Make | Bristol | Lexus |
| Model | 401 | ES |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2680 mm |
