1949 Bristol 402 vs. 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
To start off, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is newer by 63 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 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (420 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 335 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 402. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 402. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage weights approximately 406 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, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (469 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 324 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 402. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 402.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 402 | 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | |
| Make | Bristol | Aston Martin |
| Model | 402 | V8 Vantage |
| Year Released | 1949 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 7300 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 469 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1631 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4382 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1867 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2601 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 80 L |
