1976 Bristol 412 vs. 1994 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1994 Lotus Elan is newer by 18 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 45 more horse power than 1994 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 1994 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 412 weights approximately 690 kg more than 1994 Lotus Elan. 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, 1994 Lotus Elan, 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 218 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Lotus Elan. 1976 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 1994 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1994 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Bristol 412 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 412 | 1994 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Bristol | Lotus |
| Model | 412 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6555 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 422 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2260 mm |
