1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2006 Ford E-350
To start off, 2006 Ford E-350 is newer by 28 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, 2006 Ford E-350 (255 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford E-350 should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 470 kg more than 2006 Ford E-350.
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, 2006 Ford E-350 (475 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Ford E-350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Bristol 412.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 2006 Ford E-350 | |
| Make | Bristol | Ford |
| Model | 412 | E-350 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 5407 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 475 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 12 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 2120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3510 mm |
