1978 Bristol 412 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, both 1978 Bristol 412 and 1978 Volkswagen Beetle were released in the same year (1978). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. 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 128 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 870 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. 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, 1978 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, 1978 Bristol 412 (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Bristol 412 | 1978 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
Model | 412 | Beetle |
Year Released | 1978 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5898 cc | 1285 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 171 HP | 43 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
Torque | 366 Nm | 86 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 820 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4070 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1560 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2410 mm |