1951 Bristol 401 vs. 1969 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1969 Ford Mustang 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 3,273 cc (6 cylinders), 1969 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Ford Mustang (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Ford Mustang weights approximately 191 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 Ford Mustang (257 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1969 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 401 | 1969 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Bristol | Ford |
| Model | 401 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 3273 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1416 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2750 mm |
