1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2011 Ford F-350
To start off, 2011 Ford F-350 is newer by 33 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Ford F-350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford F-350 (385 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford F-350 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, 2011 Ford F-350 (548 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Ford F-350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Bristol 412.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 2011 Ford F-350 | |
| Make | Bristol | Ford |
| Model | 412 | F-350 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 385 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 548 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 6269 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 2029 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1961 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3967 mm |
