1957 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1976 Bristol 412
To start off, 1976 Bristol 412 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Austin-Healey 100 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 107 more horse power than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. (101 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 412 weights approximately 590 kg more than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. 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 279 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. (143 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. 1976 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 1957 Austin-Healey 100 has manual transmission. 1957 Austin-Healey 100 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:
| 1957 Austin-Healey 100 | 1976 Bristol 412 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Bristol |
| Model | 100 | 412 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2639 cc | 6555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 422 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 179 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2910 mm |
