1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire vs. 1949 Bristol 401
To start off, 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire is newer by 7 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 2,307 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire (85 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire weights approximately 135 kg more than 1949 Bristol 401. 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, 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire (160 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire | 1949 Bristol 401 | |
| Make | Armstrong Siddeley | Bristol |
| Model | Sapphire | 401 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1949 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2307 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2900 mm |
