1948 Bristol 400 vs. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 57 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Bristol 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Bristol 400 would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle (99 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 400. (79 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 128 kg more than 1948 Bristol 400. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1948 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 1948 Bristol 400. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 400. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Bristol 400 | 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 400 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1948 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1298 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
