1948 Bristol 401 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 58 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 401. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Bristol 401 weights approximately 49 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Bristol 401 | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 401 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1948 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 184 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 55 L |
