1950 Bristol 401 vs. 1958 Bristol 406
To start off, 1958 Bristol 406 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1950 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1950 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 2,216 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Bristol 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Bristol 406 (130 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1950 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1958 Bristol 406 should accelerate faster than 1950 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1950 Bristol 401 weights approximately 105 kg more than 1958 Bristol 406.
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, 1958 Bristol 406 (180 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1958 Bristol 406 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Bristol 401 | 1958 Bristol 406 | |
| Make | Bristol | Bristol |
| Model | 401 | 406 |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 68.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 99.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2900 mm |
