1950 Bristol 401 vs. 1996 Volvo S40
To start off, 1996 Volvo S40 is newer by 46 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, 1996 Volvo S40 (138 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1950 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1950 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1950 Bristol 401 weights approximately 7 kg more than 1996 Volvo S40.
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, 1996 Volvo S40, 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, 1996 Volvo S40 (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
1950 Bristol 401 | 1996 Volvo S40 | |
Make | Bristol | Volvo |
Model | 401 | S40 |
Year Released | 1950 | 1996 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1948 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 72 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
Torque | 145 Nm | 183 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 88.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 80 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1218 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4490 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2560 mm |