1951 Bristol 401 vs. 1981 Ferrari 400
To start off, 1981 Ferrari 400 is newer by 30 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 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1981 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 400 (310 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 238 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 605 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, 1981 Ferrari 400 (392 Nm) has 247 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 401. (145 Nm). This means 1981 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 401 | 1981 Ferrari 400 | |
| Make | Bristol | Ferrari |
| Model | 401 | 400 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 4823 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 392 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2710 mm |
