1962 BMW 700 vs. 1978 Bristol 412
To start off, 1978 Bristol 412 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 BMW 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 BMW 700 would be higher. At 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Bristol 412 (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1962 BMW 700. (38 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 1962 BMW 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 1030 kg more than 1962 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, 1978 Bristol 412 (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 314 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 BMW 700. (52 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 BMW 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 BMW 700 | 1978 Bristol 412 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 700 | 412 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 697 cc | 5898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 52 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2910 mm |
