1951 Bristol 401 vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1974 Renault 12 is newer by 23 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 19 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1951 Bristol 401 should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Bristol 401 weights approximately 275 kg more than 1974 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1974 Renault 12, 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, 1951 Bristol 401 (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1951 Bristol 401 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 401 | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Bristol | Renault |
| Model | 401 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2450 mm |
