1954 Bristol 403 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1978 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Bristol 403. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Bristol 403 would be higher. At 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1954 Bristol 403 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Bristol 403 (86 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1954 Bristol 403 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Bristol 403 weights approximately 469 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1954 Bristol 403 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 1954 Bristol 403. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1954 Bristol 403 (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1954 Bristol 403 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Bristol 403 | 1978 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 403 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 756 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2410 mm |
