1989 BMW 850 vs. 1961 Bristol 406
To start off, 1989 BMW 850 is newer by 28 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 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW 850 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 204 more horse power than 1961 Bristol 406. (92 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1961 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Bristol 406 weights approximately 5 kg more than 1989 BMW 850.
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, 1989 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 276 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Bristol 406. 1989 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 1961 Bristol 406 has manual transmission. 1961 Bristol 406 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1989 BMW 850 | 1961 Bristol 406 | |
Make | BMW | Bristol |
Model | 850 | 406 |
Year Released | 1989 | 1961 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4988 cc | 2216 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 296 HP | 92 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4700 RPM |
Torque | 450 Nm | 174 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1260 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4980 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1530 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2900 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 81 L |