1976 Bristol 412 vs. 1986 Lotus Excel
To start off, 1986 Lotus Excel is newer by 10 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, 1976 Bristol 412 (208 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1986 Lotus Excel. (180 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 1986 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 412 weights approximately 533 kg more than 1986 Lotus Excel. 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 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lotus Excel. (224 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lotus Excel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 412 | 1986 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | Bristol | Lotus |
| Model | 412 | Excel |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6555 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 422 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1177 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2490 mm |
