1990 BMW 316 vs. 1948 Bristol 401

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 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 1,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1948 Bristol 401 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 316 (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 401. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Bristol 401 weights approximately 145 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, 1948 Bristol 401 (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1948 Bristol 401 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.

Compare all specifications:

1990 BMW 316 1948 Bristol 401
Make BMW Bristol
Model 316 401
Year Released 1990 1948
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1596 cc 1969 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 100 HP 85 HP
Engine RPM 5500 RPM 4500 RPM
Torque 141 Nm 145 Nm
Torque RPM 4250 RPM 3500 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 9.0:1 7.5:1
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 1225 kg
Vehicle Length 4330 mm 4870 mm
Vehicle Width 1650 mm 1710 mm
Vehicle Height 1390 mm 1530 mm
Wheelbase Size 2580 mm 2900 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 70 L 77 L


 

More Comparisons

Resources

Replacing Your Front Disc Brakes Made Simple: The Definitive DIY Guide
Replace the front disc brakes of your vehicle and save money on labour cost. Read this guide to learn how. [read more]
What to look for when buying a used/second hand car.
Diligence through every step of the buying process will help you find a reliable used car and avoid any unpleasant surprises. [read more]
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Perform an Oil Change on Your Car
One of the most effective ways of saving money on car maintenance is to change the oil yourself. [read more]