1977 Bristol 412 vs. 1960 MG MGA
To start off, 1977 Bristol 412 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 MG MGA. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 MG MGA would be higher. At 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Bristol 412 (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1960 MG MGA. (89 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 1960 MG MGA. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Bristol 412 weights approximately 790 kg more than 1960 MG MGA. 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, 1977 Bristol 412 (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 MG MGA. (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1977 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 MG MGA. 1977 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 1960 MG MGA has manual transmission. 1960 MG MGA will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Bristol 412 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Bristol 412 | 1960 MG MGA | |
| Make | Bristol | MG |
| Model | 412 | MGA |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2390 mm |
