1978 Bristol 412 vs. 1959 Cadillac 62
To start off, 1978 Bristol 412 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Cadillac 62. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Cadillac 62 would be higher. At 6,381 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 Cadillac 62 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Cadillac 62 (325 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Cadillac 62 should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Cadillac 62 weights approximately 528 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, 1959 Cadillac 62 (583 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1959 Cadillac 62 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Bristol 412.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 1959 Cadillac 62 | |
| Make | Bristol | Cadillac |
| Model | 412 | 62 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 6381 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 325 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 583 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 98.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 2218 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 5720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3310 mm |
