1976 Bristol 412 vs. 1989 Ford Taurus
To start off, 1989 Ford Taurus is newer by 13 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 119 more horse power than 1989 Ford Taurus. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 412 weights approximately 310 kg more than 1989 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Bristol 412 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1976 Bristol 412. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Taurus, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Taurus. (176 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 412 | 1989 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Bristol | Ford |
| Model | 412 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6555 cc | 2513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 422 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2700 mm |
