1971 BMW 3 vs. 2003 Bristol Fighter
To start off, 2003 Bristol Fighter is newer by 32 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 7,994 cc (10 cylinders), 2003 Bristol Fighter is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Bristol Fighter (518 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 338 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Bristol Fighter should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Bristol Fighter weights approximately 95 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, 2003 Bristol Fighter (714 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 459 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2003 Bristol Fighter will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2003 Bristol Fighter | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 3 | Fighter |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 7994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 714 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2760 mm |
