1949 Bristol 401 vs. 2012 Lancia Thema
To start off, 2012 Lancia Thema is newer by 63 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lancia Thema (292 HP @ 6350 RPM) has 220 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lancia Thema weights approximately 603 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, 2012 Lancia Thema (352 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 401. 2012 Lancia Thema 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. 2012 Lancia Thema will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 401 | 2012 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Bristol | Lancia |
| Model | 401 | Thema |
| Year Released | 1949 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 292 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1828 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5044 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1905 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 3053 mm |
