1977 BMW 520 vs. 1961 Bristol 406
To start off, 1977 BMW 520 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Bristol 406. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Bristol 406 would be higher. At 2,216 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Bristol 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 BMW 520 (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1961 Bristol 406. (92 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1961 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 BMW 520 weights approximately 305 kg more than 1961 Bristol 406. 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, 1977 BMW 520 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1977 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Bristol 406.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 520 | 1961 Bristol 406 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 520 | 406 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 2216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 92 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 68.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 99.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 81 L |
