1952 Bristol 401 vs. 2001 Jaguar XK8
To start off, 2001 Jaguar XK8 is newer by 49 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 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Jaguar XK8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Jaguar XK8 (390 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 318 more horse power than 1952 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Jaguar XK8 should accelerate faster than 1952 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Jaguar XK8 weights approximately 485 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, 2001 Jaguar XK8 (542 Nm) has 397 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Bristol 401. (145 Nm). This means 2001 Jaguar XK8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Bristol 401. 2001 Jaguar XK8 has automatic transmission and 1952 Bristol 401 has manual transmission. 1952 Bristol 401 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Jaguar XK8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Bristol 401 | 2001 Jaguar XK8 | |
| Make | Bristol | Jaguar |
| Model | 401 | XK8 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 3996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 390 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 542 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2720 mm |
