1955 BMW 501 vs. 1965 Bristol 409
To start off, 1965 Bristol 409 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 BMW 501 would be higher. At 5,211 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 Bristol 409 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Bristol 409 (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1955 BMW 501. (110 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1965 Bristol 409 should accelerate faster than 1955 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Bristol 409 weights approximately 255 kg more than 1955 BMW 501. 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. 1965 Bristol 409 has automatic transmission and 1955 BMW 501 has manual transmission. 1955 BMW 501 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1965 Bristol 409 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1955 BMW 501 | 1965 Bristol 409 | |
Make | BMW | Bristol |
Model | 501 | 409 |
Year Released | 1955 | 1965 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2580 cc | 5211 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 110 HP | 215 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 74.1 mm | 98.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 84.1 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1600 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4920 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1510 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2910 mm |