1951 Bristol 401 vs. 2005 Cadillac XLR
To start off, 2005 Cadillac XLR is newer by 54 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 4,572 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Cadillac XLR (301 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 429 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.
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, 2005 Cadillac XLR (420 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 275 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 401. 2005 Cadillac XLR 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. 2005 Cadillac XLR will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 401 | 2005 Cadillac XLR | |
| Make | Bristol | Cadillac |
| Model | 401 | XLR |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 4572 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1654 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2690 mm |
