1951 Bristol 400 vs. 2005 Noble M12
To start off, 2005 Noble M12 is newer by 54 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 2,968 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Noble M12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Noble M12 (335 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 256 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 400. (79 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Noble M12 should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Bristol 400 weights approximately 120 kg more than 2005 Noble M12.
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, 2005 Noble M12 (485 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 360 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 400. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Noble M12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 400 | 2005 Noble M12 | |
| Make | Bristol | Noble |
| Model | 400 | M12 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 485 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2440 mm |
