1948 Bristol 401 vs. 2003 Saturn L
To start off, 2003 Saturn L 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 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Saturn L is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Saturn L (135 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 401. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Saturn L should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Saturn L weights approximately 95 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, 2003 Saturn L, 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, 2003 Saturn L (199 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Saturn L will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Bristol 401 | 2003 Saturn L | |
| Make | Bristol | Saturn |
| Model | 401 | L |
| Year Released | 1948 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 59 L |
