1992 BMW 740 vs. 1948 Bristol 401
To start off, 1992 BMW 740 is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 3,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 740 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 401. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 740 weights approximately 605 kg more than 1948 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 740 (401 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 256 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 401. 1992 BMW 740 has automatic transmission and 1948 Bristol 401 has manual transmission. 1948 Bristol 401 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1992 BMW 740 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 740 | 1948 Bristol 401 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 740 | 401 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1948 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3982 cc | 1969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 96 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 102 L | 77 L |
