1950 Bristol 401 vs. 2003 Saab 05-Sep
To start off, 2003 Saab 05-Sep is newer by 53 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Saab 05-Sep is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Saab 05-Sep (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1950 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Saab 05-Sep should accelerate faster than 1950 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Saab 05-Sep weights approximately 260 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.
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, 2003 Saab 05-Sep, 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, 2003 Saab 05-Sep (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Saab 05-Sep will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Bristol 401. 2003 Saab 05-Sep has automatic transmission and 1950 Bristol 401 has manual transmission. 1950 Bristol 401 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Saab 05-Sep will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Bristol 401 | 2003 Saab 05-Sep | |
| Make | Bristol | Saab |
| Model | 401 | 05-Sep |
| Year Released | 1950 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2710 mm |
