1957 Austin A 55 vs. 1948 Bristol 401
To start off, 1957 Austin A 55 is newer by 9 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 1,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1948 Bristol 401 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1948 Bristol 401 (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1957 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1948 Bristol 401 should accelerate faster than 1957 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Bristol 401 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1957 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, 1948 Bristol 401 (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1948 Bristol 401 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Austin A 55 | 1948 Bristol 401 | |
| Make | Austin | Bristol |
| Model | A 55 | 401 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1948 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| 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 |
