1948 Bristol 401 vs. 1997 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1997 Lotus Elise 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 1,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1948 Bristol 401 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lotus Elise (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 401. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Bristol 401 weights approximately 520 kg more than 1997 Lotus Elise.
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 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Bristol 401 | 1997 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Bristol | Lotus |
| Model | 401 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 117 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 89.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| 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 | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 40 L |
