1978 Bristol 412 vs. 1959 NSU Prinz I
To start off, 1978 Bristol 412 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 NSU Prinz I. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 NSU Prinz I would be higher. At 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Bristol 412 (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1959 NSU Prinz I. (20 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 1959 NSU Prinz I. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 1174 kg more than 1959 NSU Prinz I. 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 Bristol 412 (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 325 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 NSU Prinz I. (41 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 NSU Prinz I.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 1959 NSU Prinz I | |
| Make | Bristol | NSU |
| Model | 412 | Prinz I |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 583 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 20 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 41 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 6.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 516 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 3150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2010 mm |
