1995 BMW 317 vs. 1976 Bristol 412
To start off, 1995 BMW 317 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Bristol 412. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Bristol 412 would be higher. At 6,555 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Bristol 412 (208 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1995 BMW 317. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 1995 BMW 317. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 412 weights approximately 495 kg more than 1995 BMW 317. 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, 1976 Bristol 412 (422 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 BMW 317. (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 BMW 317. 1976 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 1995 BMW 317 has manual transmission. 1995 BMW 317 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Bristol 412 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW 317 | 1976 Bristol 412 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 317 | 412 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1665 cc | 6555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 422 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2910 mm |
