1951 Bristol 401 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (430 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 358 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 236 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, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (574 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 429 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 401 | 2012 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Bristol | Chevrolet |
| Model | 401 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 430 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 574 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4435 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1844 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1247 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2685 mm |
