1950 Bristol 401 vs. 2006 Opel Astra
To start off, 2006 Opel Astra is newer by 56 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, 2006 Opel Astra (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1950 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1950 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Opel Astra weights approximately 105 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, 2006 Opel Astra, 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, 2006 Opel Astra (201 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Bristol 401 | 2006 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Bristol | Opel |
| Model | 401 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1950 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1248 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 69.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2620 mm |
