1948 Bristol 401 vs. 2003 Volvo S40
To start off, 2003 Volvo S40 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volvo S40 (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 401. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volvo S40 weights approximately 200 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 Volvo S40, 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 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Bristol 401 | 2003 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Bristol | Volvo |
| Model | 401 | S40 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 18.5:1 |
| 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 | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 55 L |
