1949 Bristol 401 vs. 1958 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1958 Wartburg 312 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1949 Bristol 401 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1949 Bristol 401 (72 HP) has 23 more horse power than 1958 Wartburg 312. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1949 Bristol 401 should accelerate faster than 1958 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Bristol 401 weights approximately 255 kg more than 1958 Wartburg 312. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Let's talk about torque, 1949 Bristol 401 (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Wartburg 312. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1949 Bristol 401 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 401 | 1958 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Bristol | Wartburg |
| Model | 401 | 312 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2460 mm |
