1990 BMW 316 vs. 1961 Bristol 407
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Bristol 407. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Bristol 407 would be higher. At 5,130 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 Bristol 407 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Bristol 407 (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Bristol 407 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Bristol 407 weights approximately 505 kg more than 1990 BMW 316. 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, 1961 Bristol 407 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 322 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1961 Bristol 407 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316. 1961 Bristol 407 has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1961 Bristol 407 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 1961 Bristol 407 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 316 | 407 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 5130 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 463 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 81 L |
