1955 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1948 Bristol 401
To start off, 1955 Austin-Healey 100 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 2,658 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Austin-Healey 100 (132 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 401. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Austin-Healey 100 should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Bristol 401 weights approximately 374 kg more than 1955 Austin-Healey 100.
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, 1955 Austin-Healey 100 (228 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1955 Austin-Healey 100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
1955 Austin-Healey 100 | 1948 Bristol 401 | |
Make | Austin-Healey | Bristol |
Model | 100 | 401 |
Year Released | 1955 | 1948 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2658 cc | 1969 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 132 HP | 85 HP |
Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Torque | 228 Nm | 145 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 66 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 96 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 7.5:1 |
Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 161 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 851 kg | 1225 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4870 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1530 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2900 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 109 L | 77 L |