1948 Bristol 401 vs. 2009 Citroen Xsara
To start off, 2009 Citroen Xsara 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Citroen Xsara (134 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 401. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Citroen Xsara should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 23 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, 2009 Citroen Xsara, 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, 2009 Citroen Xsara (190 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Bristol 401 | 2009 Citroen Xsara | |
| Make | Bristol | Citroen |
| Model | 401 | Xsara |
| Year Released | 1948 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1248 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 54 L |
