1979 Bristol 412 vs. 2009 Fiat Panda
To start off, 2009 Fiat Panda is newer by 30 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 112 more horse power than 2009 Fiat Panda. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 2009 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Bristol 412 weights approximately 737 kg more than 2009 Fiat Panda. 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, 2009 Fiat Panda, 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 264 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Fiat Panda. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Fiat Panda. 1979 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 2009 Fiat Panda has manual transmission. 2009 Fiat Panda 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 | 2009 Fiat Panda | |
| Make | Bristol | Fiat |
| Model | 412 | Panda |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 1242 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 70.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 953 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 3540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2310 mm |
