1951 Bristol 400 vs. 1989 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1989 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Bristol 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Bristol 400 would be higher. At 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1951 Bristol 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1951 Bristol 400 (79 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1989 Volkswagen Jetta. (54 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1951 Bristol 400 should accelerate faster than 1989 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Bristol 400 weights approximately 295 kg more than 1989 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1951 Bristol 400 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 1951 Bristol 400. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 1951 Bristol 400 (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volkswagen Jetta. (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1951 Bristol 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 400 | 1989 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 400 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2480 mm |
