1949 Bristol 400 vs. 1981 Renault 18
To start off, 1981 Renault 18 is newer by 32 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 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1949 Bristol 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Renault 18 (80 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 400. (79 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Renault 18 should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Bristol 400 weights approximately 145 kg more than 1981 Renault 18.
Because 1949 Bristol 400 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 1949 Bristol 400. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Renault 18, 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, 1981 Renault 18 (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 400. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Renault 18 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 400 | 1981 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Bristol | Renault |
| Model | 400 | 18 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1647 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1410 mm |
