1974 BMW 2.8 vs. 1955 Bristol 405
To start off, 1974 BMW 2.8 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Bristol 405. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Bristol 405 would be higher. At 3,293 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 BMW 2.8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 BMW 2.8 (187 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1955 Bristol 405. (100 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 2.8 should accelerate faster than 1955 Bristol 405. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 2.8 weights approximately 300 kg more than 1955 Bristol 405. 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, 1974 BMW 2.8 (295 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Bristol 405. (152 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 2.8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Bristol 405.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 2.8 | 1955 Bristol 405 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 2.8 | 405 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3293 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 295 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2900 mm |
