1956 BMW 503 vs. 1965 Bristol 408
To start off, 1965 Bristol 408 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 BMW 503 would be higher. At 5,130 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 Bristol 408 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Bristol 408 (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1956 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1965 Bristol 408 should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Bristol 408 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1956 BMW 503. 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, 1965 Bristol 408 (464 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 242 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1965 Bristol 408 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 503. 1965 Bristol 408 has automatic transmission and 1956 BMW 503 has manual transmission. 1956 BMW 503 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1965 Bristol 408 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 503 | 1965 Bristol 408 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 503 | 408 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 5130 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 464 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 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 | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 81 L |
