1950 Bristol 401 vs. 1975 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1975 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1950 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1950 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1950 Bristol 401 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Volkswagen Passat (85 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1950 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1950 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1950 Bristol 401 weights approximately 325 kg more than 1975 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1950 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 1950 Bristol 401. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1950 Bristol 401 (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Volkswagen Passat. (118 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1950 Bristol 401 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Bristol 401 | 1975 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 401 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2480 mm |
