1950 Bristol 401 vs. 2012 Alpina B7
To start off, 2012 Alpina B7 is newer by 62 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Alpina B7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alpina B7 (500 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 428 more horse power than 1950 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 1950 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alpina B7 weights approximately 880 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, 2012 Alpina B7 (699 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 554 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Bristol 401. 2012 Alpina B7 has automatic transmission and 1950 Bristol 401 has manual transmission. 1950 Bristol 401 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Alpina B7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Bristol 401 | 2012 Alpina B7 | |
| Make | Bristol | Alpina |
| Model | 401 | B7 |
| Year Released | 1950 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 2105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5225 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1494 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 3211 mm |
