1948 Bristol 401 vs. 1997 Jaguar XK
To start off, 1997 Jaguar XK is newer by 49 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 3,994 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Jaguar XK (290 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 205 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 401. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Jaguar XK weights approximately 475 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.
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, 1997 Jaguar XK (393 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 248 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 401. 1997 Jaguar XK 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. 1997 Jaguar XK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Bristol 401 | 1997 Jaguar XK | |
| Make | Bristol | Jaguar |
| Model | 401 | XK |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 3994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 393 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 75 L |
