1949 Bristol 401 vs. 2000 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 2000 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 51 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, 2000 Alfa Romeo 146 (153 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 50 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, 2000 Alfa Romeo 146, 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, 2000 Alfa Romeo 146 (187 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2000 Alfa Romeo 146 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 401 | 2000 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Bristol | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 401 | 146 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 91.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2550 mm |
