1951 Bristol 401 vs. 2013 BMW M3
To start off, 2013 BMW M3 is newer by 62 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW M3 (408 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 336 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW M3 weights approximately 455 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.
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 M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2013 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
1951 Bristol 401 | 2013 BMW M3 | |
Make | Bristol | BMW |
Model | 401 | M3 |
Year Released | 1951 | 2013 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1970 cc | 3999 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 72 HP | 408 HP |
Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 8300 RPM |
Torque | 145 Nm | 400 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 92 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 75 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1680 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4618 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1976 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1418 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2761 mm |