1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante vs. 1949 Bristol 400
To start off, 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante is newer by 30 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 5,341 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 238 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 400. (79 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 648 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, 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante (434 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 309 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 400. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante | 1949 Bristol 400 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Bristol |
| Model | V8 Volante | 400 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1949 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5341 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1818 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 97 L | 54 L |
