1976 Bristol 412 vs. 2008 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 32 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, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 412. (208 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 412 weights approximately 381 kg more than 2008 Mazda RX-8.
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 206 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda RX-8. 1976 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda RX-8 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 | 2008 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Bristol | Mazda |
| Model | 412 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6555 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 422 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2710 mm |
