1954 Aston Martin DB2 vs. 1952 Bristol 401
To start off, 1954 Aston Martin DB2 is newer by 2 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 2,921 cc (6 cylinders), 1954 Aston Martin DB2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Aston Martin DB2 (118 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1952 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1954 Aston Martin DB2 should accelerate faster than 1952 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 Bristol 401 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1954 Aston Martin DB2.
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, 1954 Aston Martin DB2 (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1954 Aston Martin DB2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Aston Martin DB2 | 1952 Bristol 401 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Bristol |
| Model | DB2 | 401 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1952 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2921 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2900 mm |
