1951 Bristol 401 vs. 1968 Citroen DS
To start off, 1968 Citroen DS is newer by 17 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 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Citroen DS (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Bristol 401 weights approximately 15 kg more than 1968 Citroen DS.
Because 1951 Bristol 401 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1951 Bristol 401. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1968 Citroen DS, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1968 Citroen DS (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1968 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 401 | 1968 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Bristol | Citroen |
| Model | 401 | DS |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 3130 mm |
