1952 Bristol 401 vs. 1986 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1986 Ford Thunderbird 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 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Thunderbird (162 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1952 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1952 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 153 kg more than 1952 Bristol 401. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1986 Ford Thunderbird (241 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Bristol 401 | 1986 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Bristol | Ford |
| Model | 401 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1378 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2650 mm |
