1981 Alpine A 310 vs. 1951 Bristol 401
To start off, 1981 Alpine A 310 is newer by 30 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 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Alpine A 310 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Alpine A 310 (150 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Bristol 401 weights approximately 245 kg more than 1981 Alpine A 310.
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, 1981 Alpine A 310 (203 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Alpine A 310 | 1951 Bristol 401 | |
| Make | Alpine | Bristol |
| Model | A 310 | 401 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1951 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2900 mm |
