1950 Bristol 401 vs. 2011 Fiat 500
To start off, 2011 Fiat 500 is newer by 61 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, 2011 Fiat 500 (133 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1950 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1950 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1950 Bristol 401 weights approximately 295 kg more than 2011 Fiat 500.
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, 2011 Fiat 500, 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, 2011 Fiat 500 (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Fiat 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Bristol 401 | 2011 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Bristol | Fiat |
| Model | 401 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1950 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2310 mm |
