1965 Bristol 409 vs. 2013 BMW M3
To start off, 2013 BMW M3 is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Bristol 409. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Bristol 409 would be higher. At 5,211 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 Bristol 409 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW M3 (408 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 193 more horse power than 1965 Bristol 409. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1965 Bristol 409. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW M3 weights approximately 280 kg more than 1965 Bristol 409. 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, 1965 Bristol 409 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 BMW M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1965 Bristol 409 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 BMW M3. 1965 Bristol 409 has automatic transmission and 2013 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2013 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1965 Bristol 409 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Bristol 409 | 2013 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Bristol | BMW |
| Model | 409 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1965 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5211 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 408 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4618 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1976 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 63 L |
