1948 Bristol 401 vs. 2011 Ford Flex
To start off, 2011 Ford Flex is newer by 63 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Ford Flex is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Flex (262 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 401. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Flex should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Flex weights approximately 803 kg more than 1948 Bristol 401. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2011 Ford Flex, 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, 2011 Ford Flex (336 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Flex will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 401. 2011 Ford Flex 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. 2011 Ford Flex will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Bristol 401 | 2011 Ford Flex | |
| Make | Bristol | Ford |
| Model | 401 | Flex |
| Year Released | 1948 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 262 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 2028 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5126 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1928 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1727 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2995 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 70 L |
