1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
To start off, 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier is newer by 22 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 51 more horse power than 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier. (120 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 503 kg more than 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier. 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, 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier, 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 190 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier. (176 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier. 1978 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier has manual transmission. 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier 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 | 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier | |
| Make | Bristol | Chevrolet |
| Model | 412 | Cavalier |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 2190 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 89.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1187 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2810 mm |
