1965 Bristol 409 vs. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 42 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 47 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle. (168 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Bristol 409 should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Bristol 409 weights approximately 260 kg more than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle. 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, 2007 Volkswagen New 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 409 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 243 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle. (220 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1965 Bristol 409 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle. 1965 Bristol 409 has automatic transmission and 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle 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 | 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 409 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1965 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5211 cc | 2323 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 55 L |
