1952 Bristol 401 vs. 1986 Maserati 420
To start off, 1986 Maserati 420 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 1,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Maserati 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Maserati 420 (217 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1952 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Maserati 420 should accelerate faster than 1952 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 Bristol 401 weights approximately 50 kg more than 1986 Maserati 420.
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 Maserati 420 (258 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 Maserati 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Bristol 401 | 1986 Maserati 420 | |
| Make | Bristol | Maserati |
| Model | 401 | 420 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 258 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2610 mm |
