1948 Bristol 401 vs. 2009 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 61 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 6,160 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette (424 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 339 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 401. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 401.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette (424 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 279 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 401. 2009 Chevrolet Corvette 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. 2009 Chevrolet Corvette will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Bristol 401 | 2009 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Bristol | Chevrolet |
| Model | 401 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1948 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 6160 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 424 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 424 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 103.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1850 mm |
