1992 BMW 538 vs. 1962 Bristol 407
To start off, 1992 BMW 538 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Bristol 407. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Bristol 407 would be higher. At 5,129 cc (8 cylinders), 1962 Bristol 407 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 538 (341 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1962 Bristol 407. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 538 should accelerate faster than 1962 Bristol 407. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 538 weights approximately 245 kg more than 1962 Bristol 407. 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, 1962 Bristol 407 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 BMW 538. (400 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1962 Bristol 407 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 BMW 538.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 538 | 1962 Bristol 407 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 538 | 407 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3795 cc | 5129 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 341 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 463 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94.6 mm | 98.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1530 mm |
