1950 Bristol 401 vs. 1985 Ford Tempo
To start off, 1985 Ford Tempo 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 2,307 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Ford Tempo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ford Tempo (100 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1950 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ford Tempo should accelerate faster than 1950 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1950 Bristol 401 weights approximately 60 kg more than 1985 Ford Tempo.
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, 1985 Ford Tempo, 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, 1985 Ford Tempo (170 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1985 Ford Tempo 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 Tempo | |
| Make | Bristol | Ford |
| Model | 401 | Tempo |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2540 mm |
