1961 Bristol 407 vs. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Bristol 407. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Bristol 407 would be higher. At 5,130 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 Bristol 407 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Bristol 407 (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Bristol 407 should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Bristol 407 weights approximately 354 kg more than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Bristol 407 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 1961 Bristol 407. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen New 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, 1961 Bristol 407 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 293 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1961 Bristol 407 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle. 1961 Bristol 407 has automatic transmission and 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1961 Bristol 407 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Bristol 407 | 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 407 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5130 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 55 L |
