1958 Bristol 405 vs. 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Bristol 405. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Bristol 405 would be higher. At 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Bristol 405 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Bristol 405 (100 HP) has 53 more horse power than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. (47 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Bristol 405 should accelerate faster than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Bristol 405 weights approximately 372 kg more than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 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 1958 Bristol 405. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 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, 1958 Bristol 405 (152 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. (82 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1958 Bristol 405 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1958 Bristol 405 has manual transmission. 1958 Bristol 405 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Bristol 405 | 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 405 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1469 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 47 HP |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2410 mm |
