1949 Bristol 401 vs. 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage
To start off, 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage is newer by 62 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 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage (510 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 438 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage weights approximately 472 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.
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, 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage (569 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 424 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 401 | 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage | |
| Make | Bristol | Aston Martin |
| Model | 401 | V12 Vantage |
| Year Released | 1949 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 569 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1697 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4382 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1867 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2741 mm |
