1996 BMW M3 vs. 1961 Bristol 406
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Bristol 406. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Bristol 406 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1961 Bristol 406. (92 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1961 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1961 Bristol 406. 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 M3 (320 Nm) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Bristol 406. (174 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Bristol 406.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 1961 Bristol 406 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | M3 | 406 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 92 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 81 L |
