1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2012 Audi S4
To start off, 2012 Audi S4 is newer by 34 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, 2012 Audi S4 (333 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Audi S4 should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412.
Because 2012 Audi S4 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Bristol 412. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Audi S4 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, 2012 Audi S4 (440 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Audi S4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Bristol 412. 1978 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 2012 Audi S4 has manual transmission. 2012 Audi S4 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 | 2012 Audi S4 | |
| Make | Bristol | Audi |
| Model | 412 | S4 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 333 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4704 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1829 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2809 mm |
