1951 Bristol 401 vs. 1957 Jaguar MK VIII
To start off, 1957 Jaguar MK VIII is newer by 6 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 3,442 cc (6 cylinders), 1957 Jaguar MK VIII is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Jaguar MK VIII (208 HP @ 5550 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1957 Jaguar MK VIII should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Jaguar MK VIII weights approximately 559 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, 1957 Jaguar MK VIII (283 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1957 Jaguar MK VIII will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 401 | 1957 Jaguar MK VIII | |
| Make | Bristol | Jaguar |
| Model | 401 | MK VIII |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 3442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5550 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 283 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 106 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1784 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 3050 mm |
