1971 BMW 3 vs. 1950 Bristol 401
To start off, 1971 BMW 3 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1950 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1950 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1950 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1950 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 155 kg more than 1950 Bristol 401. 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, 1971 BMW 3 (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
1971 BMW 3 | 1950 Bristol 401 | |
Make | BMW | Bristol |
Model | 3 | 401 |
Year Released | 1971 | 1950 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1971 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 180 HP | 72 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Torque | 255 Nm | 145 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 66 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 96 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1225 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4870 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1530 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2900 mm |