1958 Bristol 406 vs. 2010 BMW 120
To start off, 2010 BMW 120 is newer by 52 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Bristol 406. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Bristol 406 would be higher. At 2,216 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Bristol 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 120 (169 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1958 Bristol 406. (91 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1958 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 120 weights approximately 125 kg more than 1958 Bristol 406. 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, 2010 BMW 120 (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Bristol 406.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Bristol 406 | 2010 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Bristol | BMW |
| Model | 406 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2216 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 172 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 53 L |
