1984 Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs. 1948 Bristol 401
To start off, 1984 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 5,340 cc (8 cylinders), 1984 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (370 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 285 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 401. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Aston Martin V8 Vantage weights approximately 595 kg more than 1948 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, 1984 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (510 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 365 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1984 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | 1948 Bristol 401 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Bristol |
| Model | V8 Vantage | 401 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1948 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5340 cc | 1969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 370 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.1 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.1 mm | 96 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 113 L | 77 L |
