1950 Bristol 401 vs. 2009 Kia Spectra
To start off, 2009 Kia Spectra is newer by 59 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 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Kia Spectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Spectra (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1950 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Spectra should accelerate faster than 1950 Bristol 401.
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, 2009 Kia Spectra, 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, 2009 Kia Spectra (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Spectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Bristol 401 | 2009 Kia Spectra | |
| Make | Bristol | Kia |
| Model | 401 | Spectra |
| Year Released | 1950 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1973 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 | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2620 mm |
