1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2004 Aston Martin DB9
To start off, 2004 Aston Martin DB9 is newer by 26 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 5,935 cc (12 cylinders), 2004 Aston Martin DB9 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Aston Martin DB9 (454 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 283 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Aston Martin DB9 should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Aston Martin DB9 weights approximately 26 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, 2004 Aston Martin DB9 (570 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2004 Aston Martin DB9 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Bristol 412.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 2004 Aston Martin DB9 | |
| Make | Bristol | Aston Martin |
| Model | 412 | DB9 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 5935 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 454 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1716 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2750 mm |
