1973 Bristol 411 vs. 2011 BMW M3
To start off, 2011 BMW M3 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Bristol 411. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Bristol 411 would be higher. At 6,556 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Bristol 411 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1973 Bristol 411. (264 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1973 Bristol 411. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW M3 weights approximately 173 kg more than 1973 Bristol 411. 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, 1973 Bristol 411 (455 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1973 Bristol 411 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW M3. 1973 Bristol 411 has automatic transmission and 2011 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2011 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Bristol 411 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Bristol 411 | 2011 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Bristol | BMW |
| Model | 411 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6556 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 264 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 455 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 110.3 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.7 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1712 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2761 mm |
