1959 BMW 503 vs. 1977 Bristol 412
To start off, 1977 Bristol 412 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 503 would be higher. At 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Bristol 412 (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Bristol 412 weights approximately 190 kg more than 1959 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, 1977 Bristol 412 (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1977 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 1977 Bristol 412 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 503 | 412 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 5898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 101.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2910 mm |
