1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2012 Ford E-150
To start off, 2012 Ford E-150 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 Ford E-150 (225 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford E-150 should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford E-150 weights approximately 921 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, 2012 Ford E-150 (387 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Ford E-150 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Bristol 412.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 2012 Ford E-150 | |
| Make | Bristol | Ford |
| Model | 412 | E-150 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 387 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 4-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 2611 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 5504 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 2017 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 2085 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3505 mm |
