1996 Acura NSX vs. 1978 Bristol 412
To start off, 1996 Acura NSX is newer by 18 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, 1996 Acura NSX (271 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 320 kg more than 1996 Acura NSX.
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, 1978 Bristol 412 (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Acura NSX. (284 Nm @ 5400 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Acura NSX. 1978 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 1996 Acura NSX has manual transmission. 1996 Acura NSX 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:
| 1996 Acura NSX | 1978 Bristol 412 | |
| Make | Acura | Bristol |
| Model | NSX | 412 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 5898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 284 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2910 mm |
