1959 Berkeley QB vs. 1949 Bristol 400
To start off, 1959 Berkeley QB is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Bristol 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Bristol 400 would be higher. At 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1949 Bristol 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1949 Bristol 400 (79 HP) has 30 more horse power than 1959 Berkeley QB. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1949 Bristol 400 should accelerate faster than 1959 Berkeley QB. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Bristol 400 weights approximately 789 kg more than 1959 Berkeley QB. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1949 Bristol 400 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1949 Bristol 400. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Berkeley QB, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1949 Bristol 400 (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Berkeley QB. (61 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1949 Bristol 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Berkeley QB.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Berkeley QB | 1949 Bristol 400 | |
| Make | Berkeley | Bristol |
| Model | QB | 400 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1949 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 692 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 79 HP |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 96 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 381 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1990 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 54 L |
