2004 Audi A3 vs. 1951 Bristol 401
To start off, 2004 Audi A3 is newer by 53 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 1,970 cc (6 cylinders), 1951 Bristol 401 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Audi A3 (139 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Audi A3 weights approximately 115 kg more than 1951 Bristol 401. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1951 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 1951 Bristol 401. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Audi A3, 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, 2004 Audi A3 (330 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Audi A3 | 1951 Bristol 401 | |
| Make | Audi | Bristol |
| Model | A3 | 401 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1951 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2900 mm |
