1951 Bristol 401 vs. 2012 BMW X3
To start off, 2012 BMW X3 is newer by 61 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW X3 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 228 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X3 weights approximately 690 kg more than 1951 Bristol 401. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1951 Bristol 401. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 will offer significantly more control. 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 X3 (406 Nm @ 1200 RPM) has 261 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 401. 2012 BMW X3 has automatic transmission and 1951 Bristol 401 has manual transmission. 1951 Bristol 401 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW X3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 401 | 2012 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Bristol | BMW |
| Model | 401 | X3 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 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 | 1200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1881 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2810 mm |
