1949 Bristol 402 vs. 2012 Audi A3
To start off, 2012 Audi A3 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Audi A3 (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 402. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 402. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Audi A3 weights approximately 235 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 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, 2012 Audi A3, 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, 2012 Audi A3 (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 402. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 402. 2012 Audi A3 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. 2012 Audi A3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 402 | 2012 Audi A3 | |
| Make | Bristol | Audi |
| Model | 402 | A3 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1763 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1422 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 55 L |
