1978 Bristol 412 vs. 1955 Oldsmobile 88
To start off, 1978 Bristol 412 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Oldsmobile 88. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Oldsmobile 88 would be higher. At 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Oldsmobile 88 (200 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1955 Oldsmobile 88 should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Oldsmobile 88 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1978 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, 1955 Oldsmobile 88 (450 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1955 Oldsmobile 88 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Bristol 412. 1978 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 1955 Oldsmobile 88 has manual transmission. 1955 Oldsmobile 88 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Bristol 412 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 1955 Oldsmobile 88 | |
| Make | Bristol | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 412 | 88 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 5318 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 98.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3110 mm |
