1962 Bristol 407 vs. 2009 BMW 318
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Bristol 407. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Bristol 407 would be higher. At 5,129 cc (8 cylinders), 1962 Bristol 407 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Bristol 407 (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2009 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Bristol 407 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Bristol 407 weights approximately 5 kg more than 2009 BMW 318. 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, 1962 Bristol 407 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 263 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1962 Bristol 407 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Bristol 407 | 2009 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Bristol | BMW |
| Model | 407 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5129 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 63 L |
