1950 Bristol 401 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 56 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1950 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1950 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 129 kg more than 1950 Bristol 401. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 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 (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 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 1950 Bristol 401. 2006 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1950 Bristol 401 has manual transmission. 1950 Bristol 401 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Bristol 401 | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 401 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1950 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1894 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1354 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2520 mm |
