1978 Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs. 1976 Bristol 412
To start off, 1978 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Bristol 412. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Bristol 412 would be higher. At 6,555 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (549 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 341 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 412. (208 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Aston Martin V8 Vantage weights approximately 280 kg more than 1976 Bristol 412. 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, 1978 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (745 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 323 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Bristol 412. (422 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1978 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Bristol 412. 1976 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 1978 Aston Martin V8 Vantage has manual transmission. 1978 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Bristol 412 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | 1976 Bristol 412 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Bristol |
| Model | V8 Vantage | 412 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5340 cc | 6555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 549 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 745 Nm | 422 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2910 mm |
