1977 Bristol 412 vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 36 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (316 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1977 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1977 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 125 kg more than 1977 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Bristol 412. 1977 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 2013 BMW 3 Series has manual transmission. 2013 BMW 3 Series will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Bristol 412 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Bristol 412 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Bristol | BMW |
| Model | 412 | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 316 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.2 :1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2760 mm |
