1952 Bristol 401 vs. 1989 Porsche 911
To start off, 1989 Porsche 911 is newer by 37 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Porsche 911 (247 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 1952 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1952 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Porsche 911 weights approximately 125 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, 1989 Porsche 911 (310 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Bristol 401 | 1989 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Bristol | Porsche |
| Model | 401 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 76.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2270 mm |
