1978 Bristol 412 vs. 1972 Buick GS
To start off, 1978 Bristol 412 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Buick GS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Buick GS would be higher. At 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Buick GS (190 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Buick GS should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 60 kg more than 1972 Buick GS.
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, 1972 Buick GS (394 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 Buick GS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Bristol 412. 1978 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 1972 Buick GS has manual transmission. 1972 Buick GS 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 | 1972 Buick GS | |
| Make | Bristol | Buick |
| Model | 412 | GS |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 5723 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 394 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2860 mm |
