1978 Bristol 412 vs. 1989 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 1989 Jaguar XJS is newer by 11 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, 1989 Jaguar XJS (291 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 240 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, 1989 Jaguar XJS (440 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1989 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Bristol 412. 1978 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 1989 Jaguar XJS has manual transmission. 1989 Jaguar XJS 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 | 1989 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | Bristol | Jaguar |
| Model | 412 | XJS |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 5343 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 291 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2600 mm |
