1979 Bristol 412 vs. 2003 Pontiac Bonneville
To start off, 2003 Pontiac Bonneville is newer by 24 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, 2003 Pontiac Bonneville (275 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1979 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Pontiac Bonneville should accelerate faster than 1979 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Pontiac Bonneville weights approximately 29 kg more than 1979 Bristol 412. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Bristol 412 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1979 Bristol 412. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Pontiac Bonneville, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Pontiac Bonneville. (298 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Pontiac Bonneville.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Bristol 412 | 2003 Pontiac Bonneville | |
| Make | Bristol | Pontiac |
| Model | 412 | Bonneville |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 4565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1719 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 5150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2790 mm |
