1949 Bristol 401 vs. 1989 Ford Telstar
To start off, 1989 Ford Telstar is newer by 40 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Ford Telstar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford Telstar (94 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Telstar should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Bristol 401 weights approximately 195 kg more than 1989 Ford Telstar.
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, 1989 Ford Telstar, 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, 1989 Ford Telstar (159 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Telstar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 401 | 1989 Ford Telstar | |
| Make | Bristol | Ford |
| Model | 401 | Telstar |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 159 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2520 mm |
