1950 Bristol 401 vs. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE
To start off, 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE is newer by 12 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 2,953 cc (12 cylinders), 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE (235 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1950 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE should accelerate faster than 1950 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE weights approximately 185 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, 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE (245 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Bristol 401 | 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE | |
| Make | Bristol | Ferrari |
| Model | 401 | 250 GTE |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2953 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 235 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 58.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2600 mm |
