1951 Bristol 401 vs. 1955 Bristol 405
To start off, 1955 Bristol 405 is newer by 4 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 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1955 Bristol 405 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Bristol 405 (100 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1955 Bristol 405 should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Bristol 405 weights approximately 15 kg more than 1951 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, 1955 Bristol 405 (152 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1955 Bristol 405 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 401 | 1955 Bristol 405 | |
| Make | Bristol | Bristol |
| Model | 401 | 405 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2900 mm |
