1968 BMW 1600 vs. 1961 Bristol 406
To start off, 1968 BMW 1600 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Bristol 406. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Bristol 406 would be higher. At 2,216 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Bristol 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 BMW 1600 (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1961 Bristol 406. (92 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 BMW 1600 should accelerate faster than 1961 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Bristol 406 weights approximately 270 kg more than 1968 BMW 1600.
Let's talk about torque, 1961 Bristol 406 (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 BMW 1600. (160 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1961 Bristol 406 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 BMW 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 BMW 1600 | 1961 Bristol 406 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 1600 | 406 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 2216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 92 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 68.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 99.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 81 L |
