1949 Bristol 401 vs. 1971 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1971 Buick Riviera is newer by 22 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 7,468 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Buick Riviera (311 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 239 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 815 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, 1971 Buick Riviera (617 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 472 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 401. 1971 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1949 Bristol 401 has manual transmission. 1949 Bristol 401 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1949 Bristol 401 | 1971 Buick Riviera | |
Make | Bristol | Buick |
Model | 401 | Riviera |
Year Released | 1949 | 1971 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1971 cc | 7468 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 72 HP | 311 HP |
Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Torque | 145 Nm | 617 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 2040 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5560 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2040 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 3110 mm |