1979 Bristol 412 vs. 2001 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Bristol 412. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Bristol 412 would be higher. At 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Bristol 412 (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Bristol 412 weights approximately 450 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Bristol 412. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 1979 Bristol 412 (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (155 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Bristol 412 | 2001 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 412 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2680 mm |
