1979 Bristol 412 vs. 2009 Volvo S80
To start off, 2009 Volvo S80 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, 2009 Volvo S80 (232 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1979 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1979 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Bristol 412 weights approximately 60 kg more than 2009 Volvo S80.
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 Volvo S80, 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 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volvo S80. (236 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1979 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volvo S80.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Bristol 412 | 2009 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Bristol | Volvo |
| Model | 412 | S80 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 3192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 18.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2840 mm |
