1951 Bristol 401 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 58 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 1,970 cc (6 cylinders), 1951 Bristol 401 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 22 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 1951 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 1951 Bristol 401. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 401. 2009 Volkswagen Passat 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. 2009 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 401 | 2009 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 401 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2720 mm |
