1951 Bristol 401 vs. 1978 Peugeot 305
To start off, 1978 Peugeot 305 is newer by 27 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, 1978 Peugeot 305 (94 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Peugeot 305 should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Bristol 401 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1978 Peugeot 305.
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, 1978 Peugeot 305, 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 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Peugeot 305. (132 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1951 Bristol 401 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Peugeot 305.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 401 | 1978 Peugeot 305 | |
| Make | Bristol | Peugeot |
| Model | 401 | 305 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1548 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 73 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2750 mm |
