1951 Bristol 401 vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 1981 Volvo 240 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 2,127 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volvo 240 (96 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volvo 240 should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401.
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, 1951 Bristol 401 (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (127 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1951 Bristol 401 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 401 | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Bristol | Volvo |
| Model | 401 | 240 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2127 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2660 mm |
