1969 Austin Mini Clubman vs. 1949 Bristol 401
To start off, 1969 Austin Mini Clubman is newer by 20 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 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1949 Bristol 401 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1949 Bristol 401 (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1969 Austin Mini Clubman. (39 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1949 Bristol 401 should accelerate faster than 1969 Austin Mini Clubman. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Bristol 401 weights approximately 587 kg more than 1969 Austin Mini Clubman. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1949 Bristol 401 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 401. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1969 Austin Mini Clubman, 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 401 (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Austin Mini Clubman. (71 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1949 Bristol 401 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Austin Mini Clubman.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Austin Mini Clubman | 1949 Bristol 401 | |
| Make | Austin | Bristol |
| Model | Mini Clubman | 401 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1949 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 96 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 638 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3170 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2900 mm |
