1966 Bristol 409 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Bristol 409. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Bristol 409 would be higher. At 5,211 cc (8 cylinders), 1966 Bristol 409 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (252 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1966 Bristol 409. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1966 Bristol 409. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Bristol 409 weights approximately 92 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2013 Volkswagen Golf is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1966 Bristol 409. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 1966 Bristol 409 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. (329 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1966 Bristol 409 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. 1966 Bristol 409 has automatic transmission and 2013 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2013 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1966 Bristol 409 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Bristol 409 | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 409 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5211 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1508 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4212 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 55 L |
