1977 Bristol 412 vs. 1978 Renault 14
To start off, 1978 Renault 14 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 114 more horse power than 1978 Renault 14. (57 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 14. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Bristol 412 weights approximately 820 kg more than 1978 Renault 14. 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, 1978 Renault 14, 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 274 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Renault 14. (92 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1977 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Renault 14. 1977 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 1978 Renault 14 has manual transmission. 1978 Renault 14 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 | 1978 Renault 14 | |
| Make | Bristol | Renault |
| Model | 412 | 14 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 1218 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 69 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2410 mm |
