1951 Bristol 401 vs. 1956 Maserati 350S
To start off, 1956 Maserati 350S is newer by 5 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 3,483 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Maserati 350S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Maserati 350S (321 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 249 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Maserati 350S should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Bristol 401 weights approximately 455 kg more than 1956 Maserati 350S.
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 | 1956 Maserati 350S | |
| Make | Bristol | Maserati |
| Model | 401 | 350S |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 3483 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 321 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 990 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2330 mm |
