1949 Bristol 450 vs. 1985 Lotus Excel
To start off, 1985 Lotus Excel is newer by 36 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Lotus Excel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Excel (181 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 450. (154 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 450. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lotus Excel weights approximately 441 kg more than 1949 Bristol 450. 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 450 | 1985 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | Bristol | Lotus |
| Model | 450 | Excel |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 730 kg | 1171 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 66 L |
