1951 Bristol 400 vs. 1971 Citroen DS
To start off, 1971 Citroen DS is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Bristol 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Bristol 400 would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Citroen DS (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 400. (79 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Citroen DS weights approximately 42 kg more than 1951 Bristol 400. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1951 Bristol 400 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 1951 Bristol 400. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Citroen DS, 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, 1971 Citroen DS (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 400. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 400 | 1971 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Bristol | Citroen |
| Model | 400 | DS |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1212 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 3130 mm |
