1949 Bristol 401 vs. 2012 BMW 120
To start off, 2012 BMW 120 is newer by 63 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), 2012 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 120 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 120 weights approximately 195 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, 2012 BMW 120 (380 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
1949 Bristol 401 | 2012 BMW 120 | |
Make | Bristol | BMW |
Model | 401 | 120 |
Year Released | 1949 | 2012 |
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 | 1750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1420 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4324 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1765 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1421 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2690 mm |