1950 Bristol 401 vs. 2011 BMW 535
To start off, 2011 BMW 535 is newer by 61 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1950 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1950 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 535 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 228 more horse power than 1950 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1950 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 535 weights approximately 620 kg more than 1950 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 535 (406 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 261 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Bristol 401 | 2011 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Bristol | BMW |
| Model | 401 | 535 |
| Year Released | 1950 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2968 mm |
