1950 Bristol 401 vs. 2006 Pontiac GTO
To start off, 2006 Pontiac GTO 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 5,965 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Pontiac GTO (400 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 328 more horse power than 1950 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1950 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 465 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.
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, 2006 Pontiac GTO (543 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 398 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Bristol 401 | 2006 Pontiac GTO | |
| Make | Bristol | Pontiac |
| Model | 401 | GTO |
| Year Released | 1950 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 5965 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 543 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 102 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2800 mm |
