1976 Bristol 412 vs. 2011 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2011 Ford Taurus is newer by 35 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, 2011 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 412. (208 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Taurus weights approximately 111 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.
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, 2011 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 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Ford Taurus. (337 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 412 | 2011 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Bristol | Ford |
| Model | 412 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6555 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 422 Nm | 337 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1821 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2868 mm |
