1949 Bristol 400 vs. 1966 Volvo 144
To start off, 1966 Volvo 144 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Bristol 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Bristol 400 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Volvo 144 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Volvo 144 (100 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 400. (79 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Volvo 144 should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Volvo 144 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1949 Bristol 400. 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. Let's talk about torque, 1966 Volvo 144 (153 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 400. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1966 Volvo 144 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 400 | 1966 Volvo 144 | |
| Make | Bristol | Volvo |
| Model | 400 | 144 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 45 L |
