1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2008 Ford F-450
To start off, 2008 Ford F-450 is newer by 30 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 6,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Ford F-450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford F-450 (350 HP @ 3000 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford F-450 should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412.
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, 2008 Ford F-450 (881 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 515 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford F-450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Bristol 412. 1978 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford F-450 has manual transmission. 2008 Ford F-450 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 | 2008 Ford F-450 | |
| Make | Bristol | Ford |
| Model | 412 | F-450 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 6400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 881 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 6670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 2430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 2030 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 4390 mm |
