1965 Bristol 408 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 47 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 131 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (84 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Bristol 408 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Bristol 408 weights approximately 356 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 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, 1965 Bristol 408 (464 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 304 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (160 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1965 Bristol 408 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. 1965 Bristol 408 has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 408 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1965 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5130 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 84 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 464 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1229 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 55 L |
