1958 Bristol 405 vs. 2012 BMW 320
To start off, 2012 BMW 320 is newer by 54 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), 2012 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 320 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1958 Bristol 405. (100 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1958 Bristol 405.
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 320 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Bristol 405. (152 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Bristol 405.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Bristol 405 | 2012 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Bristol | BMW |
| Model | 405 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2012 |
| 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 | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1384 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 57 L |
