1949 Bristol 401 vs. 2009 Kia Rio
To start off, 2009 Kia Rio 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 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1949 Bristol 401 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Rio (96 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Rio should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Bristol 401 weights approximately 67 kg more than 2009 Kia Rio.
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, 2009 Kia Rio, 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 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Rio. (132 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1949 Bristol 401 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 401 | 2009 Kia Rio | |
| Make | Bristol | Kia |
| Model | 401 | Rio |
| Year Released | 1949 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 83.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1158 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2420 mm |
