1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2012 Buick Regal
To start off, 2012 Buick Regal 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 Buick Regal (182 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick Regal should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 57 kg more than 2012 Buick Regal.
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, 2012 Buick Regal, 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 133 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Buick Regal. (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Buick Regal.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 2012 Buick Regal | |
| Make | Bristol | Buick |
| Model | 412 | Regal |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1633 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4831 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2738 mm |
