1977 Bristol 412 vs. 1964 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1977 Bristol 412 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Wartburg 312. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Wartburg 312 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 135 more horse power than 1964 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 1964 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Bristol 412 weights approximately 724 kg more than 1964 Wartburg 312. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 Bristol 412. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1964 Wartburg 312, 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, 1977 Bristol 412 (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 285 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Wartburg 312. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1977 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Bristol 412 | 1964 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Bristol | Wartburg |
| Model | 412 | 312 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1964 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2460 mm |
