1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2009 Porsche 911
To start off, 2009 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911 (321 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 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 395 kg more than 2009 Porsche 911.
Because 2009 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, 2009 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, 2009 Porsche 911 (370 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Bristol 412.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 2009 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Bristol | Porsche |
| Model | 412 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 3596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 321 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1320 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2360 mm |
