1952 Bristol 401 vs. 2005 BMW 316
To start off, 2005 BMW 316 is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1952 Bristol 401 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 316 (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1952 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1952 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 316 weights approximately 150 kg more than 1952 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, 2005 BMW 316 (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Bristol 401. 2005 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 1952 Bristol 401 has manual transmission. 1952 Bristol 401 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Bristol 401 | 2005 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Bristol | BMW |
| Model | 401 | 316 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 81 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2730 mm |
