1976 Bristol 412 vs. 2011 BMW 525
To start off, 2011 BMW 525 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Bristol 412. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Bristol 412 would be higher. At 6,555 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 525 (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 412. (208 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 525 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1976 Bristol 412. 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, 2011 BMW 525 (450 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Bristol 412. (422 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Bristol 412.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 412 | 2011 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Bristol | BMW |
| Model | 412 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6555 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 422 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 243 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2968 mm |
