1996 BMW 540 vs. 1955 Bristol 403
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Bristol 403. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Bristol 403 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 1955 Bristol 403. (87 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1955 Bristol 403. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 510 kg more than 1955 Bristol 403. 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 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 294 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Bristol 403. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Bristol 403. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1955 Bristol 403 has manual transmission. 1955 Bristol 403 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1955 Bristol 403 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 540 | 403 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2900 mm |
