1976 BMW 630 vs. 1949 Bristol 400
To start off, 1976 BMW 630 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Bristol 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Bristol 400 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 BMW 630 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 BMW 630 (182 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 400. (79 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 BMW 630 should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 BMW 630 weights approximately 281 kg more than 1949 Bristol 400. 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, 1976 BMW 630 (255 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 400. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 BMW 630 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 BMW 630 | 1949 Bristol 400 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 630 | 400 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1949 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 96 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1451 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2900 mm |
