1975 BMW 320 vs. 1951 Bristol 401
To start off, 1975 BMW 320 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1975 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 BMW 320 (128 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1975 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Bristol 401 weights approximately 175 kg more than 1975 BMW 320.
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, 1975 BMW 320 (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1975 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 BMW 320 | 1951 Bristol 401 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 320 | 401 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1951 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2900 mm |
