1952 BMW 501 vs. 1954 Bristol 405
To start off, 1954 Bristol 405 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 BMW 501 would be higher. At 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1952 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Bristol 405 (100 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1952 BMW 501. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1954 Bristol 405 should accelerate faster than 1952 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 BMW 501 weights approximately 45 kg more than 1954 Bristol 405.
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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 BMW 501 | 1954 Bristol 405 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 501 | 405 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2900 mm |
