1951 Bristol 401 vs. 2012 Volvo S60
To start off, 2012 Volvo S60 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Volvo S60 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volvo S60 (325 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 253 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volvo S60 should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volvo S60 weights approximately 534 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 Volvo S60 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 Volvo S60 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 Volvo S60 (479 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 334 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Volvo S60 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 401. 2012 Volvo S60 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 Volvo S60 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 401 | 2012 Volvo S60 | |
| Make | Bristol | Volvo |
| Model | 401 | S60 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 325 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 479 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1759 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1864 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2776 mm |
