1949 Bristol 400 vs. 2001 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2001 Smart ForFour 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 Smart ForFour (94 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 400. (79 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Smart ForFour should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Bristol 400 weights approximately 200 kg more than 2001 Smart ForFour.
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, 2001 Smart ForFour, 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, both vehicles can yield 125 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 2001 Smart ForFour has automatic transmission and 1949 Bristol 400 has manual transmission. 1949 Bristol 400 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Smart ForFour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 400 | 2001 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Bristol | Smart |
| Model | 400 | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1949 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1332 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 47 L |
