1986 BMW 325 vs. 1959 Bristol 406
To start off, 1986 BMW 325 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Bristol 406. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Bristol 406 would be higher. At 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW 325 (171 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1959 Bristol 406. (91 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1959 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Bristol 406 weights approximately 11 kg more than 1986 BMW 325.
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, 1986 BMW 325 (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Bristol 406.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW 325 | 1959 Bristol 406 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 325 | 406 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 2216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 81 L |
