1956 Austin A 40 vs. 1997 Bristol Blenheim
To start off, 1997 Bristol Blenheim is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 5,897 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Bristol Blenheim is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Bristol Blenheim (350 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 301 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Bristol Blenheim should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Bristol Blenheim weights approximately 690 kg more than 1956 Austin A 40. 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, 1997 Bristol Blenheim (500 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 400 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (100 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1997 Bristol Blenheim will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 40. 1997 Bristol Blenheim has automatic transmission and 1956 Austin A 40 has manual transmission. 1956 Austin A 40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Bristol Blenheim will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin A 40 | 1997 Bristol Blenheim | |
| Make | Austin | Bristol |
| Model | A 40 | Blenheim |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 5897 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2910 mm |
