1949 Bristol 401 vs. 1988 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1988 Ford Fairlane is newer by 39 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 4,089 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Fairlane (138 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 405 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, 1988 Ford Fairlane (304 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 401 | 1988 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Bristol | Ford |
| Model | 401 | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 4089 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2950 mm |
