1958 Bristol 406 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Bristol 406. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Bristol 406 would be higher. At 2,216 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Bristol 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle (114 HP @ 2400 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1958 Bristol 406. (91 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1958 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Bristol 406 weights approximately 30 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1958 Bristol 406 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 406. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen 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, 1958 Bristol 406 (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1958 Bristol 406 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 1958 Bristol 406 has manual transmission. 1958 Bristol 406 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1958 Bristol 406 | 2009 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
Model | 406 | Beetle |
Year Released | 1958 | 2009 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2216 cc | 1984 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 91 HP | 114 HP |
Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Torque | 174 Nm | 170 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 68.7 mm | 82.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 99.6 mm | 92.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 172 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1230 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1500 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2510 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 55 L |