1979 Bristol 412 vs. 1996 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1996 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 17 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, 1979 Bristol 412 (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Bristol 412 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. 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 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1979 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Bristol 412 | 1996 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Bristol | Ford |
| Model | 412 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2880 mm |
