1954 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1969 Bristol 411
To start off, 1969 Bristol 411 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 6,286 cc (8 cylinders), 1969 Bristol 411 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Bristol 411 (335 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 245 more horse power than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Bristol 411 should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Bristol 411 weights approximately 735 kg more than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. 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, 1969 Bristol 411 (576 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 432 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1969 Bristol 411 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. 1969 Bristol 411 has automatic transmission and 1954 Austin-Healey 100 has manual transmission. 1954 Austin-Healey 100 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1969 Bristol 411 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin-Healey 100 | 1969 Bristol 411 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Bristol |
| Model | 100 | 411 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 6286 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 576 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 108 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2900 mm |
