1979 Bristol 412 vs. 1968 Datsun 1800
To start off, 1979 Bristol 412 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Datsun 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Datsun 1800 would be higher. At 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Bristol 412 (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1968 Datsun 1800. (106 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 1968 Datsun 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Bristol 412 weights approximately 724 kg more than 1968 Datsun 1800. 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, 1979 Bristol 412 (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Datsun 1800. (156 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1979 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Datsun 1800. 1979 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 1968 Datsun 1800 has manual transmission. 1968 Datsun 1800 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Bristol 412 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Bristol 412 | 1968 Datsun 1800 | |
| Make | Bristol | Datsun |
| Model | 412 | 1800 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 1816 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2630 mm |
