1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 33 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 3 more horse power than 2011 BMW 120. (168 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 305 kg more than 2011 BMW 120. 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 156 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 120. 1978 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 2011 BMW 120 has manual transmission. 2011 BMW 120 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:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Bristol | BMW |
| Model | 412 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2670 mm |
