1953 Bristol 404 vs. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Bristol 404. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Bristol 404 would be higher. At 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1953 Bristol 404 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1953 Bristol 404 (91 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1953 Bristol 404 should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Bristol 404 weights approximately 235 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1953 Bristol 404 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 1953 Bristol 404. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1953 Bristol 404 (152 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (111 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1953 Bristol 404 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Bristol 404 | 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 404 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2410 mm |
