1976 Bristol 412 vs. 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1976 Bristol 412 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 6,555 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Bristol 412 (208 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 412 weights approximately 870 kg more than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1976 Bristol 412 (422 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 335 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (87 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1976 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Bristol 412 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 412 | 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 412 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6555 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 422 Nm | 87 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2430 mm |
