1996 BMW M3 vs. 1961 Bristol 407
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 407. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Bristol 407 would be higher. At 5,130 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 Bristol 407 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1961 Bristol 407. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1961 Bristol 407. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 3 kg more than 1961 Bristol 407. 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, 1961 Bristol 407 (463 Nm) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW M3. (305 Nm). This means 1961 Bristol 407 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW M3. 1961 Bristol 407 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1961 Bristol 407 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 1961 Bristol 407 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | M3 | 407 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3001 cc | 5130 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 326 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 463 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.2 mm | 98.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.9 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1588 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2910 mm |
