1962 Bristol 407 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 41 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, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton (238 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1962 Bristol 407. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1962 Bristol 407. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 410 kg more than 1962 Bristol 407. 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, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton, 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 148 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton. (315 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1962 Bristol 407 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Bristol 407 | 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 407 | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5129 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 55 L |
