1951 Bristol 401 vs. 1952 Porsche 356
To start off, 1952 Porsche 356 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (6 cylinders), 1951 Bristol 401 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1951 Bristol 401 (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1952 Porsche 356. (70 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1951 Bristol 401 should accelerate faster than 1952 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Bristol 401 weights approximately 475 kg more than 1952 Porsche 356. 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 401 | 1952 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Bristol | Porsche |
| Model | 401 | 356 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1952 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2110 mm |
