1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2004 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2004 Opel Vectra 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 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Opel Vectra (208 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 167 kg more than 2004 Opel Vectra.
Because 1978 Bristol 412 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Bristol 412. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Opel Vectra, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1978 Bristol 412 (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Opel Vectra. (300 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Opel Vectra. 1978 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 2004 Opel Vectra has manual transmission. 2004 Opel Vectra 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 | 2004 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Bristol | Opel |
| Model | 412 | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 3175 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1523 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2500 mm |
