1964 Aston Martin DB5 vs. 1949 Bristol 401
To start off, 1964 Aston Martin DB5 is newer by 15 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 3,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1964 Aston Martin DB5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1964 Aston Martin DB5 (314 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 242 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1964 Aston Martin DB5 should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1964 Aston Martin DB5 weights approximately 305 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, 1964 Aston Martin DB5 (390 Nm @ 3850 RPM) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1964 Aston Martin DB5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Aston Martin DB5 | 1949 Bristol 401 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Bristol |
| Model | DB5 | 401 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1949 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 314 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 390 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3850 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2900 mm |
