1959 Bristol 406 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Bristol 406. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Bristol 406 would be higher. At 2,216 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Bristol 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (108 HP @ 4150 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1959 Bristol 406. (91 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1959 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 109 kg more than 1959 Bristol 406. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 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 1959 Bristol 406. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (235 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Bristol 406.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Bristol 406 | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 406 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2216 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 4150 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2710 mm |
