1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Kombi
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Kombi is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Bristol 412. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Bristol 412 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 42 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Kombi. (129 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Kombi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Kombi weights approximately 617 kg more than 1978 Bristol 412.
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, 2009 Volkswagen Kombi, 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 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Kombi. (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Kombi.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 2009 Volkswagen Kombi | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 412 | Kombi |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 2460 cc |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 8 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1970 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3010 mm |
