1949 Bristol 402 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 57 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Bristol 402. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Bristol 402 would be higher. At 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1949 Bristol 402 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Polo (99 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 402. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 402. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Bristol 402 weights approximately 25 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Polo.
Because 1949 Bristol 402 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 402. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Volkswagen Polo (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 402. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 402.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 402 | 2006 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 402 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1949 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 45 L |
