1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1949 Bristol 401
To start off, 1954 Austin A 40 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1949 Bristol 401 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1949 Bristol 401 (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1949 Bristol 401 should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Bristol 401 weights approximately 199 kg more than 1954 Austin A 40. 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin A 40 | 1949 Bristol 401 | |
| Make | Austin | Bristol |
| Model | A 40 | 401 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1949 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 96 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2900 mm |
