2009 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1978 Bristol 412
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 31 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 53 more horse power than 2009 Alfa Romeo 159. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 2009 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 40 kg more than 2009 Alfa Romeo 159. 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, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159, 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 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Alfa Romeo 159. (281 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Alfa Romeo 159. 1978 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. 1978 Bristol 412 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1978 Bristol 412 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Bristol |
| Model | 159 | 412 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 5898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2910 mm |
