1950 Bristol 401 vs. 1960 MG MGA
To start off, 1960 MG MGA is newer by 10 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 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1950 Bristol 401 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1960 MG MGA (89 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1950 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1960 MG MGA should accelerate faster than 1950 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1950 Bristol 401 weights approximately 325 kg more than 1960 MG MGA.
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, 1960 MG MGA (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1960 MG MGA will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Bristol 401 | 1960 MG MGA | |
| Make | Bristol | MG |
| Model | 401 | MGA |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2390 mm |
