1950 Bristol 401 vs. 2005 McLaren F1
To start off, 2005 McLaren F1 is newer by 55 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 6,063 cc (12 cylinders), 2005 McLaren F1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 McLaren F1 (618 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 546 more horse power than 1950 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 McLaren F1 should accelerate faster than 1950 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1950 Bristol 401 weights approximately 55 kg more than 2005 McLaren F1.
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, 2005 McLaren F1 (649 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 504 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 McLaren F1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Bristol 401 | 2005 McLaren F1 | |
| Make | Bristol | McLaren |
| Model | 401 | F1 |
| Year Released | 1950 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 6063 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 618 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 649 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 87.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2720 mm |
