1952 Bristol 401 vs. 1986 Citroen BX
To start off, 1986 Citroen BX is newer by 34 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, 1986 Citroen BX (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1952 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Citroen BX should accelerate faster than 1952 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 Bristol 401 weights approximately 235 kg more than 1986 Citroen BX.
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, 1986 Citroen BX, 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 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Citroen BX. (135 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1952 Bristol 401 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Citroen BX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Bristol 401 | 1986 Citroen BX | |
| Make | Bristol | Citroen |
| Model | 401 | BX |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1580 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2660 mm |
