1988 BMW 535 vs. 1954 Bristol 403
To start off, 1988 BMW 535 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Bristol 403. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Bristol 403 would be higher. At 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 535 (211 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1954 Bristol 403. (86 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1954 Bristol 403. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 535 weights approximately 405 kg more than 1954 Bristol 403. 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, 1988 BMW 535 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Bristol 403. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Bristol 403. 1988 BMW 535 has automatic transmission and 1954 Bristol 403 has manual transmission. 1954 Bristol 403 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 535 | 1954 Bristol 403 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 535 | 403 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2900 mm |
