1962 Bristol 407 vs. 1977 Bristol 412
To start off, 1977 Bristol 412 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Bristol 407. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Bristol 407 would be higher. At 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Bristol 407 (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1977 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Bristol 407 should accelerate faster than 1977 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Bristol 412 weights approximately 105 kg more than 1962 Bristol 407.
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, 1962 Bristol 407 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1962 Bristol 407 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Bristol 412.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Bristol 407 | 1977 Bristol 412 | |
| Make | Bristol | Bristol |
| Model | 407 | 412 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5129 cc | 5898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 101.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2910 mm |
