1950 Bristol 401 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 62 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, 2012 Volkswagen Polo (178 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1950 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1950 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 44 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, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Polo (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Bristol 401. 2012 Volkswagen Polo 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. 2012 Volkswagen Polo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Bristol 401 | 2012 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 401 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1950 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1269 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1682 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2470 mm |
