1948 Bristol 401 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 33 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 1,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1948 Bristol 401 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1948 Bristol 401 (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1948 Bristol 401 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Bristol 401 weights approximately 415 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. 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, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1948 Bristol 401 (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1948 Bristol 401 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit 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. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1948 Bristol 401 | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
Model | 401 | Rabbit |
Year Released | 1948 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1969 cc | 1455 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 85 HP | 62 HP |
Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 145 Nm | 104 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 810 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2410 mm |