1979 Bristol 412 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Impala
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Impala 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 Chevrolet Impala (300 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1979 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 1979 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Bristol 412 weights approximately 77 kg more than 2012 Chevrolet Impala.
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, 2012 Chevrolet Impala, 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 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chevrolet Impala. (355 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 1979 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chevrolet Impala.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Bristol 412 | 2012 Chevrolet Impala | |
| Make | Bristol | Chevrolet |
| Model | 412 | Impala |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1613 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2807 mm |
