1948 Bristol 401 vs. 1996 TVR Chimaera
To start off, 1996 TVR Chimaera 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 3,946 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 TVR Chimaera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 TVR Chimaera (225 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 401. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 TVR Chimaera should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Bristol 401 weights approximately 200 kg more than 1996 TVR Chimaera.
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, 1996 TVR Chimaera (373 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 TVR Chimaera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Bristol 401 | 1996 TVR Chimaera | |
| Make | Bristol | TVR |
| Model | 401 | Chimaera |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 3946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 94.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 57 L |
