1990 BMW M3 vs. 1979 Bristol 412
To start off, 1990 BMW M3 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Bristol 412. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Bristol 412 would be higher. At 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW M3 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1979 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Bristol 412 weights approximately 490 kg more than 1990 BMW M3.
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, 1979 Bristol 412 (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW M3. (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1979 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW M3. 1979 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Bristol 412 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW M3 | 1979 Bristol 412 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | M3 | 412 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2467 cc | 5898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2910 mm |
