1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1949 Bristol 402
To start off, 1955 Austin A 55 is newer by 6 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, 1949 Bristol 402 (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1949 Bristol 402 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Bristol 402 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1955 Austin A 55. 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, 1949 Bristol 402 (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1949 Bristol 402 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 1949 Bristol 402 | |
| Make | Austin | Bristol |
| Model | A 55 | 402 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1949 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2900 mm |
