1948 Bristol 401 vs. 1999 Buick LeSabre
To start off, 1999 Buick LeSabre is newer by 51 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Buick LeSabre (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 401. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 392 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, 1999 Buick LeSabre, 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, 1999 Buick LeSabre (311 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 401. 1999 Buick LeSabre 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. 1999 Buick LeSabre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Bristol 401 | 1999 Buick LeSabre | |
| Make | Bristol | Buick |
| Model | 401 | LeSabre |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 311 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1617 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 68 L |
