1975 BMW 1502 vs. 1959 Bristol 406
To start off, 1975 BMW 1502 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Bristol 406. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Bristol 406 would be higher. At 2,216 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Bristol 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Bristol 406 (91 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1975 BMW 1502. (73 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Bristol 406 should accelerate faster than 1975 BMW 1502. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Bristol 406 weights approximately 286 kg more than 1975 BMW 1502. 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, 1959 Bristol 406 (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 BMW 1502. (118 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1959 Bristol 406 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 BMW 1502.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 BMW 1502 | 1959 Bristol 406 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 1502 | 406 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 2216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 68.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 99.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 81 L |
