1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2012 McLaren MP4-12C
To start off, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C 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 McLaren MP4-12C (592 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 421 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 256 kg more than 2012 McLaren MP4-12C.
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 McLaren MP4-12C (600 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 234 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 McLaren MP4-12C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Bristol 412.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 2012 McLaren MP4-12C | |
| Make | Bristol | McLaren |
| Model | 412 | MP4-12C |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 592 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1434 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1199 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2670 mm |
