1979 BMW 633 vs. 1948 Bristol 400
To start off, 1979 BMW 633 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Bristol 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Bristol 400 would be higher. At 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 BMW 633 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 BMW 633 (194 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 400. (79 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 BMW 633 should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 BMW 633 weights approximately 300 kg more than 1948 Bristol 400. 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, 1979 BMW 633 (285 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 400. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 BMW 633 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 BMW 633 | 1948 Bristol 400 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 633 | 400 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1948 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 96 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 54 L |
