1969 Bristol 410 vs. 1979 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1979 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Bristol 410. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Bristol 410 would be higher. At 5,211 cc (8 cylinders), 1969 Bristol 410 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Bristol 410 (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Bristol 410 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Bristol 410 weights approximately 780 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 Bristol 410 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 1969 Bristol 410. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Volkswagen 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, 1969 Bristol 410 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 377 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1969 Bristol 410 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Bristol 410 | 1979 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 410 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5211 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2410 mm |
