1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2008 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2008 Ford Taurus 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 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 580 kg more than 2008 Ford Taurus.
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, 2008 Ford Taurus, 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 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Taurus. (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 2008 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Bristol | Ford |
| Model | 412 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6251 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4501 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2870 mm |
