1951 Bristol 401 vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 58 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (218 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Bristol 401 weights approximately 275 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
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, 2009 Lotus Elise (212 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
1951 Bristol 401 | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
Make | Bristol | Lotus |
Model | 401 | Elise |
Year Released | 1951 | 2009 |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 72 HP | 218 HP |
Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
Torque | 145 Nm | 212 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 950 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3790 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2310 mm |