1978 Bristol 412 vs. 1983 Holden Commodore
To start off, 1983 Holden Commodore is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Bristol 412. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Bristol 412 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 93 more horse power than 1983 Holden Commodore. (78 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 1983 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 530 kg more than 1983 Holden Commodore. 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, 1978 Bristol 412 (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Holden Commodore. (140 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Holden Commodore. 1978 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 1983 Holden Commodore has manual transmission. 1983 Holden Commodore 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 | 1983 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Bristol | Holden |
| Model | 412 | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 1891 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2670 mm |
