1978 Bristol 412 vs. 1969 Pontiac GTO
To start off, 1978 Bristol 412 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Pontiac GTO. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Pontiac GTO would be higher. At 6,549 cc (8 cylinders), 1969 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Pontiac GTO (365 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 194 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1969 Pontiac GTO.
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, 1969 Pontiac GTO (603 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1969 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Bristol 412.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 1969 Pontiac GTO | |
| Make | Bristol | Pontiac |
| Model | 412 | GTO |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 6549 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 365 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 603 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 104.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 5140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2950 mm |
