1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2003 Jaguar XJ
To start off, 2003 Jaguar XJ 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 Jaguar XJ (294 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Jaguar XJ should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 75 kg more than 2003 Jaguar XJ.
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 Jaguar XJ (411 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Jaguar XJ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Bristol 412.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 2003 Jaguar XJ | |
| Make | Bristol | Jaguar |
| Model | 412 | XJ |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 4195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 294 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 411 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3040 mm |
