1951 Bristol 401 vs. 2001 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen W12 (590 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 518 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Bristol 401 weights approximately 25 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen W12.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2001 Volkswagen W12 (620 Nm @ 5800 RPM) has 475 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 401 | 2001 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 401 | W12 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 590 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2520 mm |
