1959 Bristol 406 vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 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 5,584 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 329 more horse power than 1959 Bristol 406. (91 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1959 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Bristol 406 weights approximately 114 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen W12.
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, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 356 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 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 W12 | |
Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
Model | 406 | W12 |
Year Released | 1959 | 1997 |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 2216 cc | 5584 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | W |
Horse Power | 91 HP | 420 HP |
Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 174 Nm | 530 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 68.7 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 99.6 mm | 90.3 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 1152 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4410 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1930 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1010 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2540 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 55 L |