1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1948 Bristol 401
To start off, 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite is newer by 10 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 41 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1948 Bristol 401 should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Bristol 401 weights approximately 561 kg more than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. 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 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1948 Bristol 401 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite.
Compare all specifications:
1958 Austin-Healey Sprite | 1948 Bristol 401 | |
Make | Austin-Healey | Bristol |
Model | Sprite | 401 |
Year Released | 1958 | 1948 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 948 cc | 1969 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 44 HP | 85 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Torque | 71 Nm | 145 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 7.5:1 |
Top Speed | 124 km/hour | 161 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 1225 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4870 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1530 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2900 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 77 L |