1996 BMW M3 vs. 1978 Bristol 412
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Bristol 412. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Bristol 412 would be higher. At 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 58 kg more than 1996 BMW M3.
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, 1978 Bristol 412 (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW M3 | 1978 Bristol 412 | |
Make | BMW | Bristol |
Model | M3 | 412 |
Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3169 cc | 5898 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 328 HP | 171 HP |
Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 350 Nm | 366 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 101.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 90.9 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 8.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 1690 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1780 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2910 mm |