1952 Bristol 401 vs. 1966 Simca 1200S
To start off, 1966 Simca 1200S is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1952 Bristol 401 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Simca 1200S (79 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1952 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Simca 1200S should accelerate faster than 1952 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 Bristol 401 weights approximately 370 kg more than 1966 Simca 1200S.
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 Bristol 401 (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Simca 1200S. (106 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1952 Bristol 401 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Simca 1200S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Bristol 401 | 1966 Simca 1200S | |
| Make | Bristol | Simca |
| Model | 401 | 1200S |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1204 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2240 mm |
