1948 Bristol 401 vs. 1996 Peugeot 406
To start off, 1996 Peugeot 406 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 1,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1948 Bristol 401 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Peugeot 406 (88 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 401. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Peugeot 406 should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Peugeot 406 weights approximately 15 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 Peugeot 406, 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 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Peugeot 406. (130 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1948 Bristol 401 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Peugeot 406.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Bristol 401 | 1996 Peugeot 406 | |
| Make | Bristol | Peugeot |
| Model | 401 | 406 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 1618 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2710 mm |
