1978 Bristol 412 vs. 1974 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1978 Bristol 412 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Bristol 412 (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Golf. (47 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 940 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Bristol 412 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 1978 Bristol 412. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1978 Bristol 412 (366 Nm) has 281 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Golf. (85 Nm). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Golf. 1978 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 1974 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1974 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Bristol 412 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 1974 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 412 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 1091 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 69.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2410 mm |
