1971 BMW 3 vs. 1967 Bristol 409
To start off, 1971 BMW 3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1967 Bristol 409. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1967 Bristol 409 would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1967 Bristol 409 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1967 Bristol 409 (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1967 Bristol 409 should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1967 Bristol 409 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1971 BMW 3. 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, 1967 Bristol 409 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1967 Bristol 409 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3. 1967 Bristol 409 has automatic transmission and 1971 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1971 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1967 Bristol 409 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1967 Bristol 409 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 3 | 409 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1967 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 5210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 463 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 98.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2910 mm |
