Performance data and technical specs are based on the model from 1948.
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 15.1 sec.
Topspeed (mph): 100
Acceleration (0-60 mph): 15.1 sec.
Cylinders: S6
Displacement: 1971 ccm (2 l)
Engine Power: 85 hp (63 kw)
Gears: Manual, 4-speed
Weight: 1225kg (2701 lbs)
Weight/Power ratio: 14.41 kg/hp
Power/Displacement ratio: 43.13 hp/l
Metric performance data, Bristol 401 compared with similar cars:
| Bristol 401 | Abarth 205 A Berlinetta GT | Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Sport Freccia D'oro | Studebaker Commander | |
| Topspeed (km/h): | 161 | 170 | 155 | 137 |
| Acceleration (0-100 km/h): | 15.1 | |||
| Power: | 85 hp (63 kw) | 65 hp (48 kw) | 90 hp (67 kw) | 94 hp (70 kw) |
| Weight (kg): | 1225 | 818 | 1550 | 1458 |
English performance data, Bristol 401 compared with similar cars:
| Bristol 401 | Abarth 205 A Berlinetta GT | Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Sport Freccia D'oro | Studebaker Commander | |
| Topspeed (mph): | 100 | 106 | 96 | 85 |
| Acceleration (0-60 mph): | 15.1 | |||
| Power: | 85 hp (63 kw) | 65 hp (48 kw) | 90 hp (67 kw) | 94 hp (70 kw) |
| Weight (lbs): | 2701 | 1804 | 3418 | 3215 |
