1949 Bristol 402 vs. 1959 Jaguar XK
To start off, 1959 Jaguar XK is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Bristol 402. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Bristol 402 would be higher. At 3,781 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Jaguar XK (220 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 402. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 402. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Jaguar XK weights approximately 205 kg more than 1949 Bristol 402. 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, 1959 Jaguar XK (325 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 402. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1959 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 402.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 402 | 1959 Jaguar XK | |
| Make | Bristol | Jaguar |
| Model | 402 | XK |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 3781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 220 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 87.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 106 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2600 mm |
