1962 Bristol 407 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Bristol 407. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Bristol 407 would be higher. At 5,129 cc (8 cylinders), 1962 Bristol 407 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Bristol 407 (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (69 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Bristol 407 should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Bristol 407 weights approximately 420 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 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 1962 Bristol 407. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1962 Bristol 407 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 337 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1962 Bristol 407 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 1962 Bristol 407 has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1962 Bristol 407 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Bristol 407 | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 407 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5129 cc | 1894 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 45 L |
