1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2008 Porsche 911
To start off, 2008 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911 (405 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 234 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 150 kg more than 2008 Porsche 911.
Because 2008 Porsche 911 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, 2008 Porsche 911 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, 2008 Porsche 911 (620 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 254 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 2008 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Bristol | Porsche |
| Model | 412 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 405 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 76.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2360 mm |
