1949 Bristol 402 vs. 2006 Volvo S40
To start off, 2006 Volvo S40 is newer by 57 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 2,522 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volvo S40 (218 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 402. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 402. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volvo S40 weights approximately 400 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.
Because 2006 Volvo S40 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1949 Bristol 402. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volvo S40 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 402. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 402. 2006 Volvo S40 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. 2006 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 402 | 2006 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Bristol | Volvo |
| Model | 402 | S40 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2522 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 58 L |
