1949 Bristol 401 vs. 1968 Mini MK II
To start off, 1968 Mini MK II is newer by 19 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 38 more horse power than 1968 Mini MK II. (34 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1949 Bristol 401 should accelerate faster than 1968 Mini MK II. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Bristol 401 weights approximately 615 kg more than 1968 Mini MK II. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1949 Bristol 401 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 401. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1968 Mini MK II, 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, 1949 Bristol 401 (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mini MK II. (61 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1949 Bristol 401 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mini MK II.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 401 | 1968 Mini MK II | |
| Make | Bristol | Mini |
| Model | 401 | MK II |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 61 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2040 mm |
