1977 BMW 320 vs. 1978 Bristol 412
To start off, 1978 Bristol 412 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 BMW 320 would be higher. At 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Bristol 412 (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1977 BMW 320. (122 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 1977 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 570 kg more than 1977 BMW 320. 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, 1978 Bristol 412 (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 BMW 320. (160 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 BMW 320. 1978 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 1977 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 1977 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Bristol 412 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 320 | 1978 Bristol 412 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 320 | 412 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 5898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 122 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2910 mm |
