1949 Bristol 401 vs. 1975 Cadillac Eldorado
To start off, 1975 Cadillac Eldorado is newer by 26 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 8,192 cc (8 cylinders), 1975 Cadillac Eldorado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Cadillac Eldorado (180 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Cadillac Eldorado should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Cadillac Eldorado weights approximately 1091 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.
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, 1975 Cadillac Eldorado, 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, 1975 Cadillac Eldorado (487 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 342 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1975 Cadillac Eldorado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 401 | 1975 Cadillac Eldorado | |
| Make | Bristol | Cadillac |
| Model | 401 | Eldorado |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 8192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 487 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 109.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 109.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 2316 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 3210 mm |
