1978 Bristol 412 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Passat 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, 1978 Bristol 412 (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 235 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Bristol 412. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (206 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. 1978 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 412 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 2327 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1455 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2710 mm |
