1996 BMW 540 vs. 2003 Bristol Fighter
To start off, 2003 Bristol Fighter is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 540 would be higher. At 7,994 cc (10 cylinders), 2003 Bristol Fighter is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Bristol Fighter (518 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 236 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Bristol Fighter should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 370 kg more than 2003 Bristol Fighter.
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, 2003 Bristol Fighter (714 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 274 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Bristol Fighter will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 2003 Bristol Fighter has manual transmission. 2003 Bristol Fighter 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 | 2003 Bristol Fighter | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 540 | Fighter |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 7994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 714 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 105 L |
