1996 BMW 332 vs. 1962 Bristol 407
To start off, 1996 BMW 332 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Bristol 407. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Bristol 407 would be higher. At 5,129 cc (8 cylinders), 1962 Bristol 407 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 332 (323 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1962 Bristol 407. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 332 should accelerate faster than 1962 Bristol 407. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Bristol 407 weights approximately 25 kg more than 1996 BMW 332.
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, 1962 Bristol 407 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 332. (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1962 Bristol 407 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 332. 1962 Bristol 407 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 332 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 332 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1962 Bristol 407 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 332 | 1962 Bristol 407 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 332 | 407 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 5129 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 323 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 463 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 98.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2910 mm |
