1975 Austin 1800 vs. 1948 Bristol 400
To start off, 1975 Austin 1800 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Bristol 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Bristol 400 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (6 cylinders), 1948 Bristol 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Austin 1800 (86 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 400. (79 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1975 Austin 1800 should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Austin 1800 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1948 Bristol 400. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1948 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 1948 Bristol 400. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 Austin 1800, 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, 1975 Austin 1800 (140 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 400. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1975 Austin 1800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Austin 1800 | 1948 Bristol 400 | |
| Make | Austin | Bristol |
| Model | 1800 | 400 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1948 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.3 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 54 L |
