1965 Bristol 408 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Bristol 408. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Bristol 408 would be higher. At 5,130 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 Bristol 408 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Bristol 408 (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Bristol 408 should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1965 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 1965 Bristol 408. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 1965 Bristol 408 (464 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 292 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1965 Bristol 408 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. 1965 Bristol 408 has automatic transmission and 2011 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1965 Bristol 408 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Bristol 408 | 2011 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 408 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1965 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5130 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 464 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 55 L |
