1954 Bristol 405 vs. 1949 Bristol 402
To start off, 1954 Bristol 405 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Bristol 402. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Bristol 402 would be higher. At 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1949 Bristol 402 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Bristol 405 (100 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 402. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1954 Bristol 405 should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 402. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Bristol 405 weights approximately 15 kg more than 1949 Bristol 402. 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, 1954 Bristol 405 (152 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 402. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1954 Bristol 405 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 402.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Bristol 405 | 1949 Bristol 402 | |
| Make | Bristol | Bristol |
| Model | 405 | 402 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1949 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 77 L |
