1951 Bristol 400 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 57 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 5 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1951 Bristol 400 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 120 kg more than 1951 Bristol 400.
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, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (127 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 400. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 400 | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 400 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
