1990 Alfa Romeo 33 vs. 1978 Bristol 412
To start off, 1990 Alfa Romeo 33 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Bristol 412. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Bristol 412 would be higher. At 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Bristol 412 (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1990 Alfa Romeo 33. (127 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 1990 Alfa Romeo 33. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 605 kg more than 1990 Alfa Romeo 33. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Alfa Romeo 33 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Bristol 412. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Alfa Romeo 33 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1978 Bristol 412 (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Alfa Romeo 33. (149 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Alfa Romeo 33. 1978 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 1990 Alfa Romeo 33 has manual transmission. 1990 Alfa Romeo 33 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Bristol 412 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Alfa Romeo 33 | 1978 Bristol 412 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Bristol |
| Model | 33 | 412 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1712 cc | 5898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1085 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2910 mm |
