1949 Bristol 401 vs. 1988 Volvo 480
To start off, 1988 Volvo 480 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 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1949 Bristol 401 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volvo 480 (108 HP) has 36 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 401. (72 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volvo 480 should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Bristol 401 weights approximately 225 kg more than 1988 Volvo 480.
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, 1988 Volvo 480, 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, 1949 Bristol 401 (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volvo 480. (140 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1949 Bristol 401 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volvo 480.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 401 | 1988 Volvo 480 | |
| Make | Bristol | Volvo |
| Model | 401 | 480 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 108 HP |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2510 mm |
