1950 Bristol 401 vs. 1974 Volvo 244
To start off, 1974 Volvo 244 is newer by 24 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 2,127 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volvo 244 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volvo 244 (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1950 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volvo 244 should accelerate faster than 1950 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volvo 244 weights approximately 179 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, 1974 Volvo 244 (170 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 Volvo 244 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Bristol 401 | 1974 Volvo 244 | |
| Make | Bristol | Volvo |
| Model | 401 | 244 |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2127 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2650 mm |
