1953 Bristol 404 vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 55 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 17 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1953 Bristol 404 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 124 kg more than 1953 Bristol 404.
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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1953 Bristol 404 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Bristol 404 | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 404 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1953 | 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 | 91 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 161 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1164 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |
