1973 BMW 2004 vs. 1949 Bristol 402
To start off, 1973 BMW 2004 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Bristol 402. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Bristol 402 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 BMW 2004 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 BMW 2004 (97 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 402. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 BMW 2004 should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 402. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Bristol 402 weights approximately 205 kg more than 1973 BMW 2004.
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, 1973 BMW 2004 (157 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 402. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 BMW 2004 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 402.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 2004 | 1949 Bristol 402 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 2004 | 402 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1949 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2900 mm |
