1951 Bristol 401 vs. 1976 Citroen CX
To start off, 1976 Citroen CX is newer by 25 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 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Citroen CX (106 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Citroen CX should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Citroen CX weights approximately 40 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.
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, 1976 Citroen CX, 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, 1976 Citroen CX (161 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1976 Citroen CX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 401 | 1976 Citroen CX | |
| Make | Bristol | Citroen |
| Model | 401 | CX |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2850 mm |
