1951 Bristol 401 vs. 1963 Triumph Vitesse
To start off, 1963 Triumph Vitesse 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, 1951 Bristol 401 (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1963 Triumph Vitesse. (70 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1951 Bristol 401 should accelerate faster than 1963 Triumph Vitesse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Bristol 401 weights approximately 345 kg more than 1963 Triumph Vitesse. 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, 1951 Bristol 401 (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Triumph Vitesse. (125 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1951 Bristol 401 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Triumph Vitesse.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 401 | 1963 Triumph Vitesse | |
| Make | Bristol | Triumph |
| Model | 401 | Vitesse |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 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 |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 66.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 76 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2270 mm |
