1950 Bristol 401 vs. 2013 BMW 5 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 5 Series is newer by 63 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 5 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 5 Series (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 224 more horse power than 1950 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 Series should accelerate faster than 1950 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 5 Series weights approximately 880 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, 2013 BMW 5 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 262 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 5 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Bristol 401. 2013 BMW 5 Series has automatic transmission and 1950 Bristol 401 has manual transmission. 1950 Bristol 401 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 BMW 5 Series will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Bristol 401 | 2013 BMW 5 Series | |
| Make | Bristol | BMW |
| Model | 401 | 5 Series |
| Year Released | 1950 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 89 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 2105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4999 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2132 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1559 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 3070 mm |
