1951 Bristol 401 vs. 2003 Saturn L
To start off, 2003 Saturn L 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 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Saturn L is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Saturn L (135 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Saturn L should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Saturn L weights approximately 95 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.
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 Saturn L, 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, 2003 Saturn L (199 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Saturn L will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 401. 2003 Saturn L has automatic transmission and 1951 Bristol 401 has manual transmission. 1951 Bristol 401 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Saturn L will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 401 | 2003 Saturn L | |
| Make | Bristol | Saturn |
| Model | 401 | L |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2710 mm |
