1990 BMW 518 vs. 1958 Bristol 406
To start off, 1990 BMW 518 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Bristol 406. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Bristol 406 would be higher. At 2,216 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Bristol 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Bristol 406 (130 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1990 BMW 518. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1958 Bristol 406 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 518 weights approximately 240 kg more than 1958 Bristol 406.
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, 1958 Bristol 406 (180 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1958 Bristol 406 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 518 | 1958 Bristol 406 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 518 | 406 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 68.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 99.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 194 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
