1949 Bristol 400 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1978 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Bristol 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Bristol 400 would be higher. At 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1949 Bristol 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1949 Bristol 400 (79 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1949 Bristol 400 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Bristol 400 weights approximately 414 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1949 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 1949 Bristol 400. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1949 Bristol 400 (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1949 Bristol 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 400 | 1978 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 400 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 69.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 756 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 45 L |
