2009 Audi A3 vs. 1948 Bristol 401
To start off, 2009 Audi A3 is newer by 61 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi A3 (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 401. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Bristol 401 weights approximately 195 kg more than 2009 Audi A3.
Because 1948 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 1948 Bristol 401. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Audi A3 (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 401. 2009 Audi A3 has automatic transmission and 1948 Bristol 401 has manual transmission. 1948 Bristol 401 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Audi A3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi A3 | 1948 Bristol 401 | |
| Make | Audi | Bristol |
| Model | A3 | 401 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1948 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 1969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 77 L |
