1949 Bristol 402 vs. 1979 Ford LTD
To start off, 1979 Ford LTD is newer by 30 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford LTD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ford LTD (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 402. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford LTD should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 402. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford LTD weights approximately 335 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, 1979 Ford LTD (302 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 402. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Ford LTD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 402. 1979 Ford LTD has automatic transmission and 1949 Bristol 402 has manual transmission. 1949 Bristol 402 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Ford LTD will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 402 | 1979 Ford LTD | |
| Make | Bristol | Ford |
| Model | 402 | LTD |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 101.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 72 L |
