1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante vs. 1949 Bristol 401
To start off, 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante is newer by 31 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 5,339 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 245 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 589 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, 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante (434 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 289 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante | 1949 Bristol 401 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Bristol |
| Model | V8 Volante | 401 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1949 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5339 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 | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 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 |
| Vehicle Weight | 1814 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2900 mm |
