1950 Bristol 401 vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1981 Mercury Cougar is newer by 31 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 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mercury Cougar (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1950 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1950 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 131 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, 1981 Mercury Cougar (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Bristol 401 | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercury |
| Model | 401 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2690 mm |
