1978 Bristol 412 vs. 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica
To start off, 1978 Bristol 412 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica would be higher. At 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica (335 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 100 kg more than 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica.
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 Bristol 412 (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica. (305 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica. 1978 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica has manual transmission. 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica 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 | 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica | |
| Make | Bristol | Ferrari |
| Model | 412 | 400 Superamerica |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 3967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2420 mm |
