2001 Ariel Atom vs. 1949 Bristol 401
To start off, 2001 Ariel Atom is newer by 52 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 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1949 Bristol 401 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ariel Atom (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ariel Atom should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Bristol 401 weights approximately 765 kg more than 2001 Ariel Atom.
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, 2001 Ariel Atom (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Ariel Atom will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ariel Atom | 1949 Bristol 401 | |
| Make | Ariel | Bristol |
| Model | Atom | 401 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1949 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2900 mm |
