1949 Bristol 400 vs. 1978 Fiat 131
To start off, 1978 Fiat 131 is newer by 29 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1949 Bristol 400 (79 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1949 Bristol 400 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1949 Bristol 400.
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, 1949 Bristol 400 (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1949 Bristol 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 400 | 1978 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Bristol | Fiat |
| Model | 400 | 131 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2500 mm |
