1949 Bristol 402 vs. 1998 Mazda 626
To start off, 1998 Mazda 626 is newer by 49 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, 1998 Mazda 626 (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 402. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 402. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Bristol 402 weights approximately 31 kg more than 1998 Mazda 626.
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, 1998 Mazda 626, 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, both vehicles can yield 145 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 402 | 1998 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Bristol | Mazda |
| Model | 402 | 626 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1194 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2620 mm |
