1976 Bristol 412 vs. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante
To start off, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Bristol 412. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Bristol 412 would be higher. At 6,555 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 412. (208 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 104 kg more than 1976 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, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante (435 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Bristol 412. (422 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Bristol 412.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 412 | 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante | |
| Make | Bristol | Aston Martin |
| Model | 412 | V8 Volante |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6555 cc | 5341 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 422 Nm | 435 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1814 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2620 mm |
