1949 Bristol 400 vs. 2006 BMW 320
To start off, 2006 BMW 320 is newer by 57 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Bristol 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Bristol 400 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 320 (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 400. (79 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 320 weights approximately 445 kg more than 1949 Bristol 400. 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, 2006 BMW 320 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 400. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 400. 2006 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 1949 Bristol 400 has manual transmission. 1949 Bristol 400 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 400 | 2006 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Bristol | BMW |
| Model | 400 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 63 L |
