1996 BMW 530 vs. 1951 Bristol 401
To start off, 1996 BMW 530 is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 530 (193 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 530 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1951 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, 1996 BMW 530 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 530 | 1951 Bristol 401 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 530 | 401 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1951 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2900 mm |
