1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2003 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2003 Nissan 350Z 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 Nissan 350Z (283 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 226 kg more than 2003 Nissan 350Z.
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 Nissan 350Z (371 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Bristol 412. 1978 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 2003 Nissan 350Z has manual transmission. 2003 Nissan 350Z 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 | 2003 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Bristol | Nissan |
| Model | 412 | 350Z |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 371 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2660 mm |
