2008 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1978 Bristol 412
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 30 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 8 more horse power than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. (163 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 210 kg more than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider, 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 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. (206 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. 1978 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider 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:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1978 Bristol 412 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Bristol |
| Model | Spider | 412 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 5898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2910 mm |
