1951 Bristol 401 vs. 1989 Ford Probe
To start off, 1989 Ford Probe is newer by 38 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 2,184 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Ford Probe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford Probe (108 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Probe should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Probe weights approximately 25 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.
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, 1989 Ford Probe, 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, 1989 Ford Probe (180 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Probe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 401 | 1989 Ford Probe | |
| Make | Bristol | Ford |
| Model | 401 | Probe |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2530 mm |
