1965 AC 427 vs. 1949 Bristol 400
To start off, 1965 AC 427 is newer by 16 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 6,997 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 AC 427 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 AC 427 (410 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 331 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 400. (79 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 AC 427 should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 AC 427 weights approximately 227 kg more than 1949 Bristol 400. 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, 1965 AC 427 (652 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 527 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 400. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1965 AC 427 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 400. 1965 AC 427 has automatic transmission and 1949 Bristol 400 has manual transmission. 1949 Bristol 400 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1965 AC 427 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 AC 427 | 1949 Bristol 400 | |
| Make | AC | Bristol |
| Model | 427 | 400 |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1949 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6997 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 410 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 652 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 107.7 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 96 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1397 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 54 L |
