1951 Bristol 401 vs. 2008 Ford Ka
To start off, 2008 Ford Ka is newer by 57 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, 1951 Bristol 401 (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2008 Ford Ka. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1951 Bristol 401 should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Bristol 401 weights approximately 263 kg more than 2008 Ford Ka. 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, 2008 Ford Ka, 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 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Ka. (100 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1951 Bristol 401 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 401 | 2008 Ford Ka | |
| Make | Bristol | Ford |
| Model | 401 | Ka |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2008 |
| 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 | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 962 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2450 mm |
