1966 Bristol 409 vs. 2013 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen GTI 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, 1966 Bristol 409 (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen GTI. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Bristol 409 should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen GTI. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Bristol 409 weights approximately 224 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen GTI. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 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 1966 Bristol 409. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen GTI, 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, 1966 Bristol 409 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen GTI. (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 1966 Bristol 409 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen GTI. 1966 Bristol 409 has automatic transmission and 2013 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2013 Volkswagen GTI 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 GTI | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 409 | GTI |
| 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 | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1376 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1779 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1469 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 55 L |
