1979 Bristol 412 vs. 1991 Chevrolet Nova
To start off, 1991 Chevrolet Nova is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Bristol 412. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Bristol 412 would be higher. At 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Chevrolet Nova (200 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1979 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Chevrolet Nova should accelerate faster than 1979 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Bristol 412 weights approximately 252 kg more than 1991 Chevrolet Nova.
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, 1991 Chevrolet Nova (407 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1991 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Bristol 412. 1979 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 1991 Chevrolet Nova has manual transmission. 1991 Chevrolet Nova 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 | 1991 Chevrolet Nova | |
| Make | Bristol | Chevrolet |
| Model | 412 | Nova |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 5025 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 98.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1438 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2830 mm |
