1998 BMW 316 vs. 1950 Bristol 401
To start off, 1998 BMW 316 is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1950 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1950 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1950 Bristol 401 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 316 (103 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1950 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1950 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 316 weights approximately 135 kg more than 1950 Bristol 401. 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, 1998 BMW 316 (165 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 316 | 1950 Bristol 401 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 316 | 401 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1950 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 96 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2900 mm |
