1976 Bristol 412 vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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, 1976 Bristol 412 (208 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 412 weights approximately 585 kg more than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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 232 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 412 | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Bristol | Mazda |
| Model | 412 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6555 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 422 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2329 mm |
