1978 Bristol 412 vs. 1997 Dodge Viper
To start off, 1997 Dodge Viper 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 7,990 cc (10 cylinders), 1997 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Dodge Viper (376 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 205 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 125 kg more than 1997 Dodge Viper.
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 Dodge Viper (620 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 254 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Dodge Viper 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 Dodge Viper has manual transmission. 1997 Dodge Viper 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 Dodge Viper | |
| Make | Bristol | Dodge |
| Model | 412 | Viper |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 7990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2520 mm |
