1951 Bristol 401 vs. 1988 Renault 21
To start off, 1988 Renault 21 is newer by 37 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, 1951 Bristol 401 (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1988 Renault 21. (64 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1951 Bristol 401 should accelerate faster than 1988 Renault 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Bristol 401 weights approximately 120 kg more than 1988 Renault 21. 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, 1988 Renault 21, 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 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Renault 21. (118 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1951 Bristol 401 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Renault 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 401 | 1988 Renault 21 | |
| Make | Bristol | Renault |
| Model | 401 | 21 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1870 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2820 mm |
