1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1978 Bristol 412
To start off, 1978 Bristol 412 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin A 40 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 135 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 930 kg more than 1961 Austin A 40. 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, 1978 Bristol 412 (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 298 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A 40 | 1978 Bristol 412 | |
| Make | Austin | Bristol |
| Model | A 40 | 412 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 5898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2910 mm |
