1990 BMW 316 vs. 1948 Bristol 400
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Bristol 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Bristol 400 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (6 cylinders), 1948 Bristol 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 316 (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 400. (79 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Bristol 400 weights approximately 90 kg more than 1990 BMW 316.
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, 1990 BMW 316 (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 400. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 1948 Bristol 400 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 316 | 400 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1948 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 54 L |
