1949 Bristol 401 vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 62 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 470 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, 2011 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 401. 2011 BMW 520 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. 2011 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1949 Bristol 401 | 2011 BMW 520 | |
Make | Bristol | BMW |
Model | 401 | 520 |
Year Released | 1949 | 2011 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1995 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 72 HP | 182 HP |
Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 145 Nm | 380 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 90 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 84 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1695 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4899 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1464 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2968 mm |