1965 Bristol 409 vs. 1985 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 20 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) has 156 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Bristol 409 should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Bristol 409 weights approximately 660 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 1985 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, 1965 Bristol 409 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 363 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1965 Bristol 409 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Bristol 409 | 1985 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 409 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5211 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2560 mm |
