2006 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1949 Bristol 400
To start off, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 57 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Bristol 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Bristol 400 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 400. (79 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1949 Bristol 400. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1949 Bristol 400 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 400. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 400. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1949 Bristol 400 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Bristol |
| Model | 156 | 400 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1949 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 54 L |
