1978 Bristol 412 vs. 1997 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 19 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, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (345 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 295 kg more than 1997 Chevrolet Corvette.
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, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (475 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Bristol 412. 1978 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 1997 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1997 Chevrolet Corvette 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 | 1997 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Bristol | Chevrolet |
| Model | 412 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 5666 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 345 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 475 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2660 mm |
