1994 BMW 316 vs. 1958 Bristol 406
To start off, 1994 BMW 316 is newer by 36 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, 1994 BMW 316 (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1958 Bristol 406. (91 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1958 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Bristol 406 weights approximately 100 kg more than 1994 BMW 316.
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 (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 BMW 316. (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1958 Bristol 406 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW 316 | 1958 Bristol 406 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 316 | 406 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 68.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 99.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 189 km/hour | 172 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 81 L |
