1973 Bitter CD vs. 1978 Bristol 412
To start off, 1978 Bristol 412 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Bitter CD. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Bitter CD would be higher. At 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Bitter CD (226 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Bitter CD should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Bitter CD weights approximately 34 kg more than 1978 Bristol 412. 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, 1973 Bitter CD (427 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1973 Bitter CD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Bristol 412.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Bitter CD | 1978 Bristol 412 | |
| Make | Bitter | Bristol |
| Model | CD | 412 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5353 cc | 5898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 226 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.6 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1724 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2910 mm |
