1955 Bristol 403 vs. 2012 BMW 535
To start off, 2012 BMW 535 is newer by 57 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Bristol 403. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Bristol 403 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 535 (311 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 224 more horse power than 1955 Bristol 403. (87 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1955 Bristol 403.
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, 2012 BMW 535 (600 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 454 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Bristol 403. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Bristol 403. 2012 BMW 535 has automatic transmission and 1955 Bristol 403 has manual transmission. 1955 Bristol 403 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Bristol 403 | 2012 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Bristol | BMW |
| Model | 403 | 535 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2968 mm |
