1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2003 Jaguar XK
To start off, 2003 Jaguar XK 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 XK (395 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 224 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Jaguar XK weights approximately 128 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 Jaguar XK (553 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Jaguar XK 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 XK | |
| Make | Bristol | Jaguar |
| Model | 412 | XK |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 395 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 553 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1818 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2600 mm |
