1978 Bristol 412 vs. 1973 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1978 Bristol 412 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Pontiac Firebird (296 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 60 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.
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, 1973 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1973 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Bristol 412.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 1973 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Bristol | Pontiac |
| Model | 412 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 105.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 106.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2750 mm |
