1971 BMW 3 vs. 1976 Bristol 412
To start off, 1976 Bristol 412 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 would be higher. At 6,555 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Bristol 412 (208 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 412 weights approximately 330 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, 1976 Bristol 412 (422 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3. 1976 Bristol 412 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. 1976 Bristol 412 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1976 Bristol 412 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 3 | 412 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 6555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 422 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2910 mm |
