1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2007 Volvo XC90
To start off, 2007 Volvo XC90 is newer by 29 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, 2007 Volvo XC90 (206 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volvo XC90 should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volvo XC90 weights approximately 292 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.
Because 2007 Volvo XC90 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Bristol 412. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Volvo XC90 will offer significantly more control. 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 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volvo XC90. (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volvo XC90.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 2007 Volvo XC90 | |
| Make | Bristol | Volvo |
| Model | 412 | XC90 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 206 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1982 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1900 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2870 mm |
