1949 Bristol 401 vs. 1960 Fiat 500
To start off, 1960 Fiat 500 is newer by 11 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 @ 4500 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1960 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1949 Bristol 401 should accelerate faster than 1960 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Bristol 401 weights approximately 670 kg more than 1960 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Fiat 500. (30 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1949 Bristol 401 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 401 | 1960 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Bristol | Fiat |
| Model | 401 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 18 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 30 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 67.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 70 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 1960 mm |
