1949 Austin A 70 vs. 1964 Bristol 408
To start off, 1964 Bristol 408 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Austin A 70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Austin A 70 would be higher. At 5,130 cc (8 cylinders), 1964 Bristol 408 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1964 Bristol 408 (216 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 70. (63 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1964 Bristol 408 should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1964 Bristol 408 weights approximately 315 kg more than 1949 Austin A 70. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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. 1964 Bristol 408 has automatic transmission and 1949 Austin A 70 has manual transmission. 1949 Austin A 70 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1964 Bristol 408 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Austin A 70 | 1964 Bristol 408 | |
| Make | Austin | Bristol |
| Model | A 70 | 408 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1964 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2200 cc | 5130 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 98.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1900 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 81 L |
