1951 Bristol 401 vs. 2004 Ford Focus
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 53 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, 2004 Ford Focus (128 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Focus weights approximately 197 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, 2004 Ford Focus, 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, 2004 Ford Focus (170 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 401 | 2004 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Bristol | Ford |
| Model | 401 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1751 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2580 mm |
