1961 Bristol 407 vs. 2011 BMW 535
To start off, 2011 BMW 535 is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Bristol 407. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Bristol 407 would be higher. At 5,130 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 Bristol 407 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 535 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1961 Bristol 407. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1961 Bristol 407. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 535 weights approximately 260 kg more than 1961 Bristol 407. 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, 1961 Bristol 407 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 535. (406 Nm @ 1300 RPM). This means 1961 Bristol 407 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 535.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Bristol 407 | 2011 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Bristol | BMW |
| Model | 407 | 535 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5130 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 70 L |
