2009 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1976 Bristol 412
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Bristol 412. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Bristol 412 would be higher. At 6,555 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 (256 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 412. (208 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 95 kg more than 1976 Bristol 412. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1976 Bristol 412. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1976 Bristol 412 (422 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Alfa Romeo 159. (322 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Alfa Romeo 159. 1976 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 has manual transmission. 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Bristol 412 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1976 Bristol 412 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Bristol |
| Model | 159 | 412 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3195 cc | 6555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 322 Nm | 422 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 232 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1805 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2910 mm |
