1951 Bristol 401 vs. 2003 Proton 400
To start off, 2003 Proton 400 is newer by 52 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, 2003 Proton 400 (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Proton 400 should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Bristol 401 weights approximately 255 kg more than 2003 Proton 400.
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, 2003 Proton 400, 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, 1951 Bristol 401 (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Proton 400. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1951 Bristol 401 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Proton 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 401 | 2003 Proton 400 | |
| Make | Bristol | Proton |
| Model | 401 | 400 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2510 mm |
