1952 Bristol 401 vs. 1997 Caterham C21
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 45 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, 1997 Caterham C21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1952 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1952 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 Bristol 401 weights approximately 571 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21.
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, 1997 Caterham C21 (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Bristol 401 | 1997 Caterham C21 | |
| Make | Bristol | Caterham |
| Model | 401 | C21 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 654 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2260 mm |
