1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2000 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2000 Smart ForTwo 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 97 more horse power than 2000 Smart ForTwo. (74 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 2000 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 870 kg more than 2000 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1978 Bristol 412 (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 256 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Smart ForTwo. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Smart ForTwo. 1978 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 2000 Smart ForTwo has manual transmission. 2000 Smart ForTwo 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 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Bristol | Smart |
| Model | 412 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 1820 mm |
