1951 Bristol 401 vs. 1997 Ford Ranger
To start off, 1997 Ford Ranger is newer by 46 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 2,507 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Ranger (118 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Ranger should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Ranger weights approximately 170 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, 1997 Ford Ranger (198 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 401 | 1997 Ford Ranger | |
| Make | Bristol | Ford |
| Model | 401 | Ranger |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2507 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2840 mm |
