1950 Bristol 401 vs. 1986 Peugeot 309
To start off, 1986 Peugeot 309 is newer by 36 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, 1986 Peugeot 309 (115 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1950 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Peugeot 309 should accelerate faster than 1950 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1950 Bristol 401 weights approximately 295 kg more than 1986 Peugeot 309.
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, 1986 Peugeot 309, 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 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Peugeot 309. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1950 Bristol 401 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Peugeot 309.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Bristol 401 | 1986 Peugeot 309 | |
| Make | Bristol | Peugeot |
| Model | 401 | 309 |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1580 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 73 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2480 mm |
