1977 Bristol 412 vs. 1997 TVR Chimaera
To start off, 1997 TVR Chimaera is newer by 20 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, 1997 TVR Chimaera (225 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1977 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 TVR Chimaera should accelerate faster than 1977 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Bristol 412 weights approximately 665 kg more than 1997 TVR Chimaera.
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, 1997 TVR Chimaera (373 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 TVR Chimaera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Bristol 412. 1977 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 1997 TVR Chimaera has manual transmission. 1997 TVR Chimaera 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 | 1997 TVR Chimaera | |
| Make | Bristol | TVR |
| Model | 412 | Chimaera |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 3946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 94.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2290 mm |
