1950 Bristol 401 vs. 1985 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1985 Ford Mustang is newer by 35 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 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ford Mustang (175 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1950 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1950 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1950 Bristol 401 weights approximately 45 kg more than 1985 Ford Mustang.
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, 1985 Ford Mustang (285 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1985 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Bristol 401 | 1985 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Bristol | Ford |
| Model | 401 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2500 mm |
