1963 Bristol 408 vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Bristol 408. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Bristol 408 would be higher. At 5,129 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 Bristol 408 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1963 Bristol 408. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1963 Bristol 408. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 110 kg more than 1963 Bristol 408. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 BMW 3 Series is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1963 Bristol 408. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series will offer significantly more control. 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, 1963 Bristol 408 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 BMW 3 Series. (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1963 Bristol 408 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 BMW 3 Series. 1963 Bristol 408 has automatic transmission and 2013 BMW 3 Series has manual transmission. 2013 BMW 3 Series will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1963 Bristol 408 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Bristol 408 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Bristol | BMW |
| Model | 408 | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5129 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.2 :1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1395 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 61 L |
