1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2013 Porsche 911
To start off, 2013 Porsche 911 is newer by 35 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, 2013 Porsche 911 (395 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 224 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 295 kg more than 2013 Porsche 911.
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, 2013 Porsche 911 (441 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2013 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Bristol 412. 1978 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 2013 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 2013 Porsche 911 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Bristol 412 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 2013 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Bristol | Porsche |
| Model | 412 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 395 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 441 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 102 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 12.5 : 1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4491 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1978 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1295 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2450 mm |
