1964 Bristol 408 vs. 2011 BMW M3
To start off, 2011 BMW M3 is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Bristol 408. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Bristol 408 would be higher. At 5,130 cc (8 cylinders), 1964 Bristol 408 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 198 more horse power than 1964 Bristol 408. (216 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1964 Bristol 408. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW M3 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1964 Bristol 408. 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, 1964 Bristol 408 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1964 Bristol 408 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW M3. 1964 Bristol 408 has automatic transmission and 2011 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2011 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1964 Bristol 408 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Bristol 408 | 2011 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Bristol | BMW |
| Model | 408 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5130 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 216 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 63 L |
