1951 Bristol 401 vs. 2012 Ford Ka
To start off, 2012 Ford Ka 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 1,970 cc (6 cylinders), 1951 Bristol 401 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Ka (74 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Ka should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Bristol 401 weights approximately 170 kg more than 2012 Ford Ka.
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 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, both vehicles can yield 145 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 401 | 2012 Ford Ka | |
| Make | Bristol | Ford |
| Model | 401 | Ka |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1247 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 69.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2310 mm |
