1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2003 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2003 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 25 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, 2003 Ford Thunderbird (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 55 kg more than 1978 Bristol 412. 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, 2003 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Bristol 412.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 2003 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Bristol | Ford |
| Model | 412 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 3934 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 249 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 388 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2730 mm |
