1952 Austin A vs. 1958 Bristol 406
To start off, 1958 Bristol 406 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Austin A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Austin A would be higher. At 3,992 cc (6 cylinders), 1952 Austin A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Bristol 406 (130 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1952 Austin A. (124 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1958 Bristol 406 should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 Austin A weights approximately 855 kg more than 1958 Bristol 406.
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, 1952 Austin A (288 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Bristol 406. (180 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1952 Austin A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Bristol 406.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Austin A | 1958 Bristol 406 | |
| Make | Austin | Bristol |
| Model | A | 406 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3992 cc | 2216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 288 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 68.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 99.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1975 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3040 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 80 L |
