1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2009 Buick Lucerne
To start off, 2009 Buick Lucerne is newer by 31 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, 2009 Buick Lucerne (227 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Buick Lucerne should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Buick Lucerne weights approximately 72 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 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, 2009 Buick Lucerne, 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 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Buick Lucerne. (321 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Buick Lucerne.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 2009 Buick Lucerne | |
| Make | Bristol | Buick |
| Model | 412 | Lucerne |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 3880 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1762 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2940 mm |
