1996 BMW Z3 vs. 1978 Bristol 412
To start off, 1996 BMW Z3 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 BMW Z3 (184 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 388 kg more than 1996 BMW Z3.
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 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW Z3. (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW Z3. 1978 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW Z3 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW Z3 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 BMW Z3 | 1978 Bristol 412 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | Z3 | 412 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 5898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 184 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 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 | 1302 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2910 mm |
