1976 Bristol 412 vs. 2011 BMW 550
To start off, 2011 BMW 550 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 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 412. (208 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 550 weights approximately 585 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.
Because 2011 BMW 550 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1976 Bristol 412. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 will offer significantly more control. 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 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Bristol 412. (422 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 550 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 550 | |
| Make | Bristol | BMW |
| Model | 412 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6555 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 422 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 2295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4999 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3071 mm |
