1952 Bristol 401 vs. 2008 Citroen C3
To start off, 2008 Citroen C3 is newer by 56 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, 2008 Citroen C3 (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1952 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Citroen C3 should accelerate faster than 1952 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 Bristol 401 weights approximately 78 kg more than 2008 Citroen C3.
Because 1952 Bristol 401 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1952 Bristol 401. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Citroen C3, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2008 Citroen C3 (200 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Citroen C3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Bristol 401. 2008 Citroen C3 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. 2008 Citroen C3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Bristol 401 | 2008 Citroen C3 | |
| Make | Bristol | Citroen |
| Model | 401 | C3 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1147 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2470 mm |
