1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2002 TVR Speed 12
To start off, 2002 TVR Speed 12 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 7,730 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 TVR Speed 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 TVR Speed 12 (790 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 619 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 TVR Speed 12 should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 688 kg more than 2002 TVR Speed 12.
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, 2002 TVR Speed 12 (881 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 515 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2002 TVR Speed 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Bristol 412. 1978 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 2002 TVR Speed 12 has manual transmission. 2002 TVR Speed 12 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 TVR Speed 12 | |
| Make | Bristol | TVR |
| Model | 412 | Speed 12 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 7730 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 790 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 881 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1002 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2570 mm |
