1990 BMW 316 vs. 1966 Bristol 409
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Bristol 409. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Bristol 409 would be higher. At 5,211 cc (8 cylinders), 1966 Bristol 409 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Bristol 409 (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Bristol 409 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Bristol 409 weights approximately 520 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, 1966 Bristol 409 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 322 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1966 Bristol 409 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316. 1966 Bristol 409 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. 1966 Bristol 409 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 1966 Bristol 409 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 316 | 409 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 5211 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 |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 81 L |
