1948 Bristol 401 vs. 2003 Ford Ka
To start off, 2003 Ford Ka is newer by 55 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, 2003 Ford Ka (94 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 401. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Ka should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Bristol 401 weights approximately 319 kg more than 2003 Ford Ka.
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, 2003 Ford Ka, 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, 1948 Bristol 401 (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (135 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1948 Bristol 401 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Bristol 401 | 2003 Ford Ka | |
| Make | Bristol | Ford |
| Model | 401 | Ka |
| Year Released | 1948 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 906 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 40 L |
