1949 Bristol 401 vs. 1985 TVR 390
To start off, 1985 TVR 390 is newer by 36 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 3,905 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 TVR 390 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 TVR 390 (275 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 TVR 390 should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Bristol 401 weights approximately 118 kg more than 1985 TVR 390.
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, 1985 TVR 390 (367 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1985 TVR 390 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 401 | 1985 TVR 390 | |
| Make | Bristol | TVR |
| Model | 401 | 390 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 3905 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 367 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 89.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1107 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2390 mm |
