1952 Bristol 401 vs. 2012 Audi RS5
To start off, 2012 Audi RS5 is newer by 60 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 4,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Audi RS5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Audi RS5 (354 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 282 more horse power than 1952 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Audi RS5 should accelerate faster than 1952 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Audi RS5 weights approximately 525 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 2012 Audi RS5 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1952 Bristol 401. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Audi RS5 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Audi RS5 (440 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 295 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Audi RS5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Bristol 401 | 2012 Audi RS5 | |
| Make | Bristol | Audi |
| Model | 401 | RS5 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 4200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 354 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4625 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1854 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1372 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2751 mm |
