1965 Bristol 409 vs. 1949 Bristol 401
To start off, 1965 Bristol 409 is newer by 16 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 5,211 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 Bristol 409 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Bristol 409 (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Bristol 409 should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Bristol 409 weights approximately 375 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, 1965 Bristol 409 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 318 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1965 Bristol 409 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 401. 1965 Bristol 409 has automatic transmission and 1949 Bristol 401 has manual transmission. 1949 Bristol 401 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1965 Bristol 409 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1965 Bristol 409 | 1949 Bristol 401 | |
Make | Bristol | Bristol |
Model | 409 | 401 |
Year Released | 1965 | 1949 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5211 cc | 1971 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 215 HP | 72 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Torque | 463 Nm | 145 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 66 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 96 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1225 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4870 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1530 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2900 mm |