1978 Bristol 412 vs. 1971 Cadillac Eldorado
To start off, 1978 Bristol 412 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Cadillac Eldorado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Cadillac Eldorado would be higher. At 8,190 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Cadillac Eldorado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Cadillac Eldorado (223 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Cadillac Eldorado should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Cadillac Eldorado weights approximately 420 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.
Because 1978 Bristol 412 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Bristol 412. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Cadillac Eldorado, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1971 Cadillac Eldorado (744 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 378 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1971 Cadillac Eldorado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Bristol 412.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 1971 Cadillac Eldorado | |
| Make | Bristol | Cadillac |
| Model | 412 | Eldorado |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 8190 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 223 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 744 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 109.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 109.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 2110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 5630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3210 mm |
