1949 Bristol 401 vs. 2009 Ford F-150
To start off, 2009 Ford F-150 is newer by 60 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 5,408 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford F-150 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford F-150 (310 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 238 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford F-150 should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Bristol 401 weights approximately 259 kg more than 2009 Ford F-150.
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, 2009 Ford F-150 (495 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 350 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Ford F-150 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 401. 2009 Ford F-150 has automatic transmission and 1949 Bristol 401 has manual transmission. 1949 Bristol 401 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford F-150 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 401 | 2009 Ford F-150 | |
| Make | Bristol | Ford |
| Model | 401 | F-150 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 5408 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 495 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 3670 mm |
