1951 Bristol 401 vs. 1985 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1985 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 34 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 2,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Reliant Scimitar (133 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 75 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, 1985 Reliant Scimitar (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1985 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 401. 1985 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 1951 Bristol 401 has manual transmission. 1951 Bristol 401 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Reliant Scimitar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 401 | 1985 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Bristol | Reliant |
| Model | 401 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2640 mm |
