1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
To start off, 2002 Oldsmobile Alero is newer by 24 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 2002 Oldsmobile Alero. (148 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 2002 Oldsmobile Alero. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 320 kg more than 2002 Oldsmobile Alero. 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, 2002 Oldsmobile Alero, 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 156 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Oldsmobile Alero. (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Oldsmobile Alero. 1978 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 2002 Oldsmobile Alero has manual transmission. 2002 Oldsmobile Alero 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 | 2002 Oldsmobile Alero | |
| Make | Bristol | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 412 | Alero |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 2392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2720 mm |
