1976 Austin Maxi vs. 1951 Bristol 401
To start off, 1976 Austin Maxi is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (6 cylinders), 1951 Bristol 401 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1951 Bristol 401 (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1976 Austin Maxi. (68 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1951 Bristol 401 should accelerate faster than 1976 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Bristol 401 weights approximately 245 kg more than 1976 Austin Maxi. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1951 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 1951 Bristol 401. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Austin Maxi, 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, 1951 Bristol 401 (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Austin Maxi. (105 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1951 Bristol 401 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Austin Maxi.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Austin Maxi | 1951 Bristol 401 | |
| Make | Austin | Bristol |
| Model | Maxi | 401 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1951 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1485 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2900 mm |
