2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1950 Bristol 401
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 52 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1950 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1950 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (189 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1950 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1950 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 205 kg more than 1950 Bristol 401. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1950 Bristol 401 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1950 Bristol 401. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (218 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1950 Bristol 401 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Bristol |
| Model | 156 | 401 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1950 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2900 mm |
