1958 Bristol 405 vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Bristol 405. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Bristol 405 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 318 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1958 Bristol 405. (100 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1958 Bristol 405. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 138 kg more than 1958 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, 2004 BMW 318 (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Bristol 405. (152 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Bristol 405. 2004 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1958 Bristol 405 has manual transmission. 1958 Bristol 405 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Bristol 405 | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Bristol | BMW |
| Model | 405 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 63 L |
