2003 Aston Martin DB7 vs. 1978 Bristol 412
To start off, 2003 Aston Martin DB7 is newer by 25 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 5,935 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Aston Martin DB7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Aston Martin DB7 (414 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 243 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Aston Martin DB7 should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Aston Martin DB7 weights approximately 185 kg more than 1978 Bristol 412. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 Aston Martin DB7 (550 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Aston Martin DB7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Bristol 412. 1978 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 2003 Aston Martin DB7 has manual transmission. 2003 Aston Martin DB7 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:
| 2003 Aston Martin DB7 | 1978 Bristol 412 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Bristol |
| Model | DB7 | 412 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5935 cc | 5898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 550 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1875 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2910 mm |
