1951 Bristol 401 vs. 1963 Porsche 718
To start off, 1963 Porsche 718 is newer by 12 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, 1963 Porsche 718 (146 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1963 Porsche 718 should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Bristol 401 weights approximately 635 kg more than 1963 Porsche 718.
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 | 1963 Porsche 718 | |
| Make | Bristol | Porsche |
| Model | 401 | 718 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2110 mm |
