1955 Bristol 403 vs. 1970 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1970 Volkswagen 1600 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Bristol 403. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Bristol 403 would be higher. At 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1955 Bristol 403 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Bristol 403 (87 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (52 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Bristol 403 should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Bristol 403 weights approximately 215 kg more than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1955 Bristol 403 (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1955 Bristol 403 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Bristol 403 | 1970 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 403 | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2340 mm |
