1952 Bristol 401 vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1979 Lancia Beta is newer by 27 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, 1979 Lancia Beta (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1952 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1952 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 Bristol 401 weights approximately 189 kg more than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Because 1952 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 1952 Bristol 401. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Beta, 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, 1952 Bristol 401 (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1952 Bristol 401 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta. 1979 Lancia Beta has automatic transmission and 1952 Bristol 401 has manual transmission. 1952 Bristol 401 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Lancia Beta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1952 Bristol 401 | 1979 Lancia Beta | |
Make | Bristol | Lancia |
Model | 401 | Beta |
Year Released | 1952 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1584 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 72 HP | 100 HP |
Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 145 Nm | 134 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 71.5 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1036 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4290 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1660 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2480 mm |