1958 Bristol 406 vs. 2012 BMW 530
To start off, 2012 BMW 530 is newer by 54 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 530 (271 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1958 Bristol 406. (130 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1958 Bristol 406.
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 530 (310 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Bristol 406. (180 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Bristol 406. 2012 BMW 530 has automatic transmission and 1958 Bristol 406 has manual transmission. 1958 Bristol 406 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 530 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Bristol 406 | 2012 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Bristol | BMW |
| Model | 406 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2216 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68.7 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.6 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
