1979 Bristol 412 vs. 2008 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2008 Panoz Esperante is newer by 29 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, 2008 Panoz Esperante (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1979 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1979 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Bristol 412 weights approximately 155 kg more than 2008 Panoz Esperante.
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, 2008 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Bristol 412. 1979 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 2008 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 2008 Panoz Esperante 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 | 2008 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Bristol | Panoz |
| Model | 412 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2700 mm |
