1949 Bristol 401 vs. 1970 Buick Skylark
To start off, 1970 Buick Skylark is newer by 21 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 5,724 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Buick Skylark (195 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Buick Skylark weights approximately 404 kg more than 1949 Bristol 401. 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, 1970 Buick Skylark (393 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 248 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1970 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 401 | 1970 Buick Skylark | |
| Make | Bristol | Buick |
| Model | 401 | Skylark |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 5724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 195 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 393 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1629 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2850 mm |
