1988 BMW M5 vs. 1961 Bristol 406
To start off, 1988 BMW M5 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Bristol 406. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Bristol 406 would be higher. At 3,533 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M5 (311 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 219 more horse power than 1961 Bristol 406. (92 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1961 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M5 weights approximately 473 kg more than 1961 Bristol 406. 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 M5 (360 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Bristol 406.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M5 | 1961 Bristol 406 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | M5 | 406 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3533 cc | 2216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 92 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 68.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 99.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1733 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2900 mm |
