1951 Bristol 401 vs. 1969 Bristol 411
To start off, 1969 Bristol 411 is newer by 18 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 6,286 cc (8 cylinders), 1969 Bristol 411 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Bristol 411 (335 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 263 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Bristol 411 should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Bristol 411 weights approximately 455 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, 1969 Bristol 411 (576 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 431 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1969 Bristol 411 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 401. 1969 Bristol 411 has automatic transmission and 1951 Bristol 401 has manual transmission. 1951 Bristol 401 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1969 Bristol 411 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 401 | 1969 Bristol 411 | |
| Make | Bristol | Bristol |
| Model | 401 | 411 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 6286 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 576 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 108 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2900 mm |
