1951 Bristol 401 vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 61 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Buick LaCrosse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (303 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 231 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 610 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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse, 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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (358 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 401. 2012 Buick LaCrosse 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. 2012 Buick LaCrosse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 401 | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Bristol | Buick |
| Model | 401 | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 303 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 358 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2837 mm |
