1977 Bristol 412 vs. 2009 BMW 525
To start off, 2009 BMW 525 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Bristol 412. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Bristol 412 would be higher. At 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1977 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1977 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Bristol 412 weights approximately 165 kg more than 2009 BMW 525.
Because 2009 BMW 525 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1977 Bristol 412. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 BMW 525 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, 1977 Bristol 412 (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 525. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1977 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Bristol 412 | 2009 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Bristol | BMW |
| Model | 412 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2840 mm |
