1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 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, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 5 kg more than 1978 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, 2011 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Bristol 412.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Bristol | BMW |
| Model | 412 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2968 mm |
