1951 Bristol 401 vs. 1998 Panoz AIV
To start off, 1998 Panoz AIV is newer by 47 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 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Panoz AIV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Panoz AIV (301 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Panoz AIV should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Bristol 401 weights approximately 45 kg more than 1998 Panoz AIV.
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, 1998 Panoz AIV (407 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 262 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Panoz AIV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 401 | 1998 Panoz AIV | |
| Make | Bristol | Panoz |
| Model | 401 | AIV |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2650 mm |
