1949 Bristol 401 vs. 1986 Saab 9000
To start off, 1986 Saab 9000 is newer by 37 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 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Saab 9000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Saab 9000 (135 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Saab 9000 weights approximately 80 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, 1986 Saab 9000, 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, 1986 Saab 9000 (172 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 Saab 9000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 401 | 1986 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | Bristol | Saab |
| Model | 401 | 9000 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2720 mm |
