1972 BMW Touring vs. 1951 Bristol 401
To start off, 1972 BMW Touring is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (6 cylinders), 1951 Bristol 401 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW Touring (83 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW Touring should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Bristol 401 weights approximately 195 kg more than 1972 BMW Touring.
Let's talk about torque, 1951 Bristol 401 (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW Touring. (130 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1951 Bristol 401 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW Touring.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW Touring | 1951 Bristol 401 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | Touring | 401 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1951 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1574 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2900 mm |
