1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2012 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2012 Cadillac CTS 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 Cadillac CTS (270 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 58 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.
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, 1978 Bristol 412 (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Cadillac CTS. (302 Nm @ 5700 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Cadillac CTS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 2012 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Bristol | Cadillac |
| Model | 412 | CTS |
| 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 | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1748 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4859 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2880 mm |
