1994 BMW M3 vs. 1952 Bristol 401
To start off, 1994 BMW M3 is newer by 42 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 2,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 BMW M3 (281 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 209 more horse power than 1952 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1952 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 BMW M3 weights approximately 240 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, 1994 BMW M3 (320 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1994 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW M3 | 1952 Bristol 401 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | M3 | 401 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1952 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2990 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 281 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2900 mm |
