1949 Bristol 401 vs. 2004 BMW Z4
To start off, 2004 BMW Z4 is newer by 55 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW Z4 (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW Z4 weights approximately 100 kg more than 1949 Bristol 401. 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, 2004 BMW Z4 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 401. 2004 BMW Z4 has automatic transmission and 1949 Bristol 401 has manual transmission. 1949 Bristol 401 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW Z4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 401 | 2004 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Bristol | BMW |
| Model | 401 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 2004 |
| 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 | 72 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2500 mm |
