1949 Bristol 401 vs. 1979 Ferrari 308
To start off, 1979 Ferrari 308 is newer by 30 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 2,927 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ferrari 308 (240 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ferrari 308 weights approximately 55 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, 1979 Ferrari 308 (260 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 401 | 1979 Ferrari 308 | |
| Make | Bristol | Ferrari |
| Model | 401 | 308 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2927 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 71 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2350 mm |
