1949 Bristol 401 vs. 1979 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1979 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1949 Bristol 401 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1949 Bristol 401 (72 HP) has 13 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Golf. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1949 Bristol 401 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Bristol 401 weights approximately 420 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1949 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 1949 Bristol 401. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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 401 (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Golf. (95 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1949 Bristol 401 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 401 | 1979 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 401 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 72 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2410 mm |
