1968 BMW 1600 vs. 1978 Bristol 412
To start off, 1978 Bristol 412 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 BMW 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 BMW 1600 would be higher. At 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Bristol 412 (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1968 BMW 1600. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 1968 BMW 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 700 kg more than 1968 BMW 1600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Let's talk about torque, 1978 Bristol 412 (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 BMW 1600. (160 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 BMW 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 BMW 1600 | 1978 Bristol 412 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 1600 | 412 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 5898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2910 mm |
