1951 Bristol 401 vs. 1975 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1975 Lancia Beta is newer by 24 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Lancia Beta (119 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Bristol 401 weights approximately 185 kg more than 1975 Lancia Beta.
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, 1975 Lancia Beta, 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, 1975 Lancia Beta (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1975 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 401 | 1975 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Bristol | Lancia |
| Model | 401 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 119 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2360 mm |
