1949 Bristol 401 vs. 1984 Volvo 360
To start off, 1984 Volvo 360 is newer by 35 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 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Volvo 360 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Volvo 360 (101 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Volvo 360 should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Bristol 401 weights approximately 186 kg more than 1984 Volvo 360.
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, 1984 Volvo 360 (160 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1984 Volvo 360 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 401 | 1984 Volvo 360 | |
| Make | Bristol | Volvo |
| Model | 401 | 360 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1039 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2410 mm |
