1963 Bristol 408 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Bristol 408. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Bristol 408 would be higher. At 5,129 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 Bristol 408 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Bristol 408 (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (158 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Bristol 408 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Bristol 408 weights approximately 83 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 Bristol 408 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 1963 Bristol 408. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1963 Bristol 408 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1963 Bristol 408 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. 1963 Bristol 408 has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1963 Bristol 408 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Bristol 408 | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 408 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5129 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1502 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 70 L |
