1978 Bristol 412 vs. 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport
To start off, 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport 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, 1978 Bristol 412 (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport. (118 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 190 kg more than 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport. 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, 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport, 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 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport. (237 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Bristol 412 | 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport | |
Make | Bristol | Pontiac |
Model | 412 | Trans Sport |
Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5898 cc | 3135 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 171 HP | 118 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Torque | 366 Nm | 237 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1500 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4930 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1890 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1670 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2800 mm |