1949 Bristol 402 vs. 1973 Renault 12
To start off, 1973 Renault 12 is newer by 24 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 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1949 Bristol 402 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1949 Bristol 402 (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1973 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1949 Bristol 402 should accelerate faster than 1973 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Bristol 402 weights approximately 325 kg more than 1973 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1949 Bristol 402 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 402. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Renault 12, 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 402 (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1949 Bristol 402 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 402 | 1973 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Bristol | Renault |
| Model | 402 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 56 L |
