1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2012 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2012 Ford Taurus 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 Taurus (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Taurus weights approximately 131 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 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 Ford Taurus, 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 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Taurus. (337 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Bristol 412 | 2012 Ford Taurus | |
Make | Bristol | Ford |
Model | 412 | Taurus |
Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5898 cc | 3500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 171 HP | 263 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
Torque | 366 Nm | 337 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1821 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 5154 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1935 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1542 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2868 mm |