1949 Bristol 401 vs. 1959 MG MGA
To start off, 1959 MG MGA is newer by 10 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, 1959 MG MGA (106 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 MG MGA should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Bristol 401 weights approximately 325 kg more than 1959 MG MGA.
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 401 (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 MG MGA. (141 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1949 Bristol 401 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 MG MGA.
Compare all specifications:
1949 Bristol 401 | 1959 MG MGA | |
Make | Bristol | MG |
Model | 401 | MGA |
Year Released | 1949 | 1959 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 72 HP | 106 HP |
Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
Torque | 145 Nm | 141 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 900 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3970 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1460 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1280 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2390 mm |