1952 Bristol 401 vs. 2012 Dodge Charger
To start off, 2012 Dodge Charger 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 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Dodge Charger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Dodge Charger (370 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 298 more horse power than 1952 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Charger should accelerate faster than 1952 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dodge Charger weights approximately 704 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, 2012 Dodge Charger (535 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 390 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Dodge Charger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Bristol 401. 2012 Dodge Charger 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. 2012 Dodge Charger will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Bristol 401 | 2012 Dodge Charger | |
| Make | Bristol | Dodge |
| Model | 401 | Charger |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 370 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 535 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1929 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5077 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1905 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 3053 mm |
