1977 Bristol 412 vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1978 Opel Senator is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Bristol 412. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Bristol 412 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 35 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (136 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Bristol 412 weights approximately 900 kg more than 1978 Opel Senator. 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 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1977 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Bristol 412 | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Bristol | Opel |
| Model | 412 | Senator |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2690 mm |
