1960 Bristol 406 vs. 1979 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1979 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Bristol 406. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Bristol 406 would be higher. At 2,215 cc (6 cylinders), 1960 Bristol 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1960 Bristol 406 (91 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1960 Bristol 406 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Bristol 406 weights approximately 440 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 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 1960 Bristol 406. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1960 Bristol 406 (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1960 Bristol 406 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Bristol 406 | 1979 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 406 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2215 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2410 mm |
