1950 Bristol 401 vs. 1978 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1978 Lancia Beta is newer by 28 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, 1978 Lancia Beta (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1950 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1950 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1950 Bristol 401 weights approximately 225 kg more than 1978 Lancia Beta.
Because 1950 Bristol 401 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1950 Bristol 401. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Lancia Beta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1950 Bristol 401 (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1950 Bristol 401 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
1950 Bristol 401 | 1978 Lancia Beta | |
Make | Bristol | Lancia |
Model | 401 | Beta |
Year Released | 1950 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1297 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 72 HP | 81 HP |
Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
Torque | 145 Nm | 108 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 70.8 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 78.8 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1000 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1660 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2360 mm |