1959 BMW 700 vs. 1948 Bristol 401
To start off, 1959 BMW 700 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 1,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1948 Bristol 401 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1948 Bristol 401 (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1959 BMW 700. (38 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1948 Bristol 401 should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Bristol 401 weights approximately 565 kg more than 1959 BMW 700. 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, 1948 Bristol 401 (145 Nm) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 700. (52 Nm). This means 1948 Bristol 401 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 700 | 1948 Bristol 401 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 700 | 401 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1948 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 697 cc | 1969 cc |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 52 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 96 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2900 mm |
