1999 Audi A4 vs. 1978 Bristol 412
To start off, 1999 Audi A4 is newer by 21 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, 1999 Audi A4 (248 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Audi A4 should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 390 kg more than 1999 Audi A4.
Because 1978 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 1978 Bristol 412. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Audi A4, 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, 1978 Bristol 412 (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Audi A4. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Audi A4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Audi A4 | 1978 Bristol 412 | |
| Make | Audi | Bristol |
| Model | A4 | 412 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 5898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 248 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2910 mm |
