1955 Bristol 405 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Bristol 405. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Bristol 405 would be higher. At 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1955 Bristol 405 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Bristol 405 (100 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (89 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Bristol 405 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Bristol 405 weights approximately 280 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 Bristol 405 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 1955 Bristol 405. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1955 Bristol 405 (152 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (145 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1955 Bristol 405 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Bristol 405 | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 405 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2560 mm |
