1948 Bristol 401 vs. 1986 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1986 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 38 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 41 more horse power than 1986 Volkswagen Polo. (44 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1948 Bristol 401 should accelerate faster than 1986 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Bristol 401 weights approximately 455 kg more than 1986 Volkswagen Polo. 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, 1986 Volkswagen Polo, 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 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Volkswagen Polo. (95 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1948 Bristol 401 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Bristol 401 | 1986 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 401 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 1043 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2340 mm |
