1954 Bristol 405 vs. 2011 BMW 535
To start off, 2011 BMW 535 is newer by 57 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Bristol 405. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Bristol 405 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 535 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1954 Bristol 405. (100 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1954 Bristol 405. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 535 weights approximately 605 kg more than 1954 Bristol 405. 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, 2011 BMW 535 (406 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 254 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Bristol 405. (152 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Bristol 405. 2011 BMW 535 has automatic transmission and 1954 Bristol 405 has manual transmission. 1954 Bristol 405 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Bristol 405 | 2011 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Bristol | BMW |
| Model | 405 | 535 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 70 L |
