1951 Bristol 401 vs. 2012 Porsche 911
To start off, 2012 Porsche 911 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 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche 911 (500 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 428 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Porsche 911 weights approximately 420 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 2012 Porsche 911 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1951 Bristol 401. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 will offer significantly more control. 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 Porsche 911 (650 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 505 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 401 | 2012 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Bristol | Porsche |
| Model | 401 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 650 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1645 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4478 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2350 mm |
