1950 Bristol 401 vs. 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster 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 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1950 Bristol 401 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster (121 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1950 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster should accelerate faster than 1950 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1950 Bristol 401 weights approximately 30 kg more than 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster.
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, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster, 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, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster (160 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Bristol 401 | 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster | |
| Make | Bristol | Mini |
| Model | 401 | Cooper Roadster |
| Year Released | 1950 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1195 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3734 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1389 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2466 mm |
