1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2006 BMW 316
To start off, 2006 BMW 316 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Bristol 412. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Bristol 412 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 58 more horse power than 2006 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 225 kg more than 2006 BMW 316. 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 190 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 316. (176 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 2006 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Bristol | BMW |
| Model | 412 | 316 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 81 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2730 mm |
