1949 Bristol 450 vs. 1958 Bristol 406
To start off, 1958 Bristol 406 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Bristol 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Bristol 450 would be higher. At 2,216 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Bristol 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1949 Bristol 450 (154 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1958 Bristol 406. (91 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1949 Bristol 450 should accelerate faster than 1958 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Bristol 406 weights approximately 530 kg more than 1949 Bristol 450.
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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 450 | 1958 Bristol 406 | |
| Make | Bristol | Bristol |
| Model | 450 | 406 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 68.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 99.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 730 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 81 L |
