1978 Bristol 412 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, both 1978 Bristol 412 and 1978 Volkswagen Passat were released in the same year (1978). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. 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 112 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 810 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 1978 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1978 Bristol 412 (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (95 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. 1978 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 1978 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1978 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 1978 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 412 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2480 mm |
