1975 BMW 316 vs. 1953 Bristol 404
To start off, 1975 BMW 316 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Bristol 404. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Bristol 404 would be higher. At 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1953 Bristol 404 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1953 Bristol 404 (91 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1975 BMW 316. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1953 Bristol 404 should accelerate faster than 1975 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 BMW 316 weights approximately 30 kg more than 1953 Bristol 404.
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, 1953 Bristol 404 (152 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 BMW 316. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1953 Bristol 404 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 BMW 316 | 1953 Bristol 404 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 316 | 404 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1953 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 72 L |
