1965 Bristol 409 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1978 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Bristol 409. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Bristol 409 would be higher. At 5,211 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 Bristol 409 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Bristol 409 (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (49 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Bristol 409 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Bristol 409 weights approximately 915 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 Bristol 409 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 409. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Polo, 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 409 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 386 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1965 Bristol 409 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. 1965 Bristol 409 has automatic transmission and 1978 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 1978 Volkswagen Polo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1965 Bristol 409 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Bristol 409 | 1978 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 409 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5211 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 69.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 72 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 35 L |
