1948 Bristol 401 vs. 1999 Mercury Sable
To start off, 1999 Mercury Sable 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 2,982 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Sable (197 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 401. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Sable weights approximately 340 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 Mercury Sable, 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 Mercury Sable (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 401. 1999 Mercury Sable 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 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Bristol 401 | 1999 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercury |
| Model | 401 | Sable |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 68 L |
