1948 Bristol 401 vs. 2013 Mazda 3
To start off, 2013 Mazda 3 is newer by 65 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 2,489 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mazda 3 (165 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 401. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mazda 3 weights approximately 158 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, 2013 Mazda 3, 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, 2013 Mazda 3 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2013 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Bristol 401 | 2013 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Bristol | Mazda |
| Model | 401 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 2489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 55 L |
