1951 Bristol 401 vs. 1999 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1999 Ford Fiesta is newer by 48 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, 1999 Ford Fiesta (123 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Bristol 401 weights approximately 249 kg more than 1999 Ford Fiesta.
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, 1999 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1999 Ford Fiesta (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 401 | 1999 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Bristol | Ford |
| Model | 401 | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 976 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2450 mm |
