1952 Bristol 401 vs. 2011 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2011 Mercury Mariner is newer by 59 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercury Mariner (177 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1952 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1952 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 439 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.
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, 2011 Mercury Mariner, 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, 2011 Mercury Mariner (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Bristol 401 | 2011 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercury |
| Model | 401 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1664 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1727 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2619 mm |
