1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2012 Dodge Ram
To start off, 2012 Dodge Ram 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 Dodge Ram (390 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 219 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Ram should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dodge Ram weights approximately 1 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.
Because 2012 Dodge Ram 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, 2012 Dodge Ram 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 Dodge Ram (552 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Dodge Ram will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Bristol 412.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 2012 Dodge Ram | |
| Make | Bristol | Dodge |
| Model | 412 | Ram |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 5654 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 390 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 552 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1691 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 5790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3560 mm |
