1951 Bristol 401 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 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 6 kg more than 1951 Bristol 401. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1951 Bristol 401. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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 (201 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 401. 2008 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1951 Bristol 401 has manual transmission. 1951 Bristol 401 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 401 | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 401 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2590 mm |
