1992 BMW 540 vs. 1952 Bristol 401
To start off, 1992 BMW 540 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 3,980 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 1952 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1952 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 540 weights approximately 425 kg more than 1952 Bristol 401. 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, 1992 BMW 540 (400 Nm @ 5100 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 540 | 1952 Bristol 401 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 540 | 401 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1952 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3980 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2900 mm |
