1961 Bristol 406 vs. 2009 BMW 330
To start off, 2009 BMW 330 is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Bristol 406. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Bristol 406 would be higher. At 2,978 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 330 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1961 Bristol 406. (92 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1961 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 330 weights approximately 415 kg more than 1961 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, 2009 BMW 330 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Bristol 406. 2009 BMW 330 has automatic transmission and 1961 Bristol 406 has manual transmission. 1961 Bristol 406 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 330 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Bristol 406 | 2009 BMW 330 | |
| Make | Bristol | BMW |
| Model | 406 | 330 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2216 cc | 2978 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 92 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.6 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 63 L |
