1950 Bristol 401 vs. 1961 Bristol 406
To start off, 1961 Bristol 406 is newer by 11 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), 1961 Bristol 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Bristol 406 (92 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1950 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Bristol 406 should accelerate faster than 1950 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Bristol 406 weights approximately 35 kg more than 1950 Bristol 401. 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. Let's talk about torque, 1961 Bristol 406 (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1961 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 | 1961 Bristol 406 | |
| Make | Bristol | Bristol |
| Model | 401 | 406 |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1961 |
| 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 | 72 HP | 92 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 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 |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2900 mm |
