1972 BMW 3 vs. 1977 Bristol 412
To start off, 1977 Bristol 412 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 3 would be higher. At 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1977 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1977 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Bristol 412 weights approximately 420 kg more than 1972 BMW 3.
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, 1977 Bristol 412 (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1977 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 3. 1977 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 1972 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1972 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Bristol 412 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 1977 Bristol 412 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 3 | 412 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3003 cc | 5898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 101.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2910 mm |
