1952 Bristol 401 vs. 2009 Citroen C3
To start off, 2009 Citroen C3 is newer by 57 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, 1952 Bristol 401 (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2009 Citroen C3. (67 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1952 Bristol 401 should accelerate faster than 2009 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 Bristol 401 weights approximately 102 kg more than 2009 Citroen C3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 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, 2009 Citroen C3 (161 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Citroen C3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Bristol 401 | 2009 Citroen C3 | |
| Make | Bristol | Citroen |
| Model | 401 | C3 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2009 |
| 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 | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 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 | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1123 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2470 mm |
