1949 Bristol 400 vs. 2001 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2001 Lotus Exige is newer by 52 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, 2001 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 400. (79 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Bristol 400 weights approximately 390 kg more than 2001 Lotus Exige.
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, 2001 Lotus Exige (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 400. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 400 | 2001 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Bristol | Lotus |
| Model | 400 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1949 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 36 L |
