1952 Bristol 401 vs. 1986 Ford Escort
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort 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 Ford Escort (106 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1952 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1952 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 Bristol 401 weights approximately 275 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort.
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 Ford Escort, 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 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (138 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1952 Bristol 401 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Bristol 401 | 1986 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Bristol | Ford |
| Model | 401 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2410 mm |
