1951 Bristol 401 vs. 2001 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2001 Smart Roadster is newer by 50 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, 2001 Smart Roadster (81 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Smart Roadster should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Bristol 401 weights approximately 360 kg more than 2001 Smart Roadster.
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, 1951 Bristol 401 (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1951 Bristol 401 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 401 | 2001 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Bristol | Smart |
| Model | 401 | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 67 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2370 mm |
