1978 Bristol 412 vs. 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1978 Bristol 412 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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 11 more horse power than 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass. 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, 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Bristol 412.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Bristol | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 412 | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 5280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2960 mm |
