1979 Bristol 412 vs. 2012 BMW 335
To start off, 2012 BMW 335 is newer by 33 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, 2012 BMW 335 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1979 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 335 should accelerate faster than 1979 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 335 weights approximately 115 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.
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, 2012 BMW 335 (406 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 335 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Bristol 412. 1979 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW 335 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW 335 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 | 2012 BMW 335 | |
| Make | Bristol | BMW |
| Model | 412 | 335 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1783 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1384 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2810 mm |
