2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1949 Bristol 402
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 54 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Bristol 402. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Bristol 402 would be higher. At 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1949 Bristol 402 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (118 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 402. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 402. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 90 kg more than 1949 Bristol 402. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1949 Bristol 402 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 1949 Bristol 402. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (146 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 402. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 402.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1949 Bristol 402 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Bristol |
| Model | 156 | 402 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1949 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 77 L |
