1988 BMW M3 vs. 1951 Bristol 400
To start off, 1988 BMW M3 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Bristol 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Bristol 400 would be higher. At 2,303 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 400. (79 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M3 weights approximately 30 kg more than 1951 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, 1988 BMW M3 (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 400. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1951 Bristol 400 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | M3 | 400 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1951 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 54 L |
