1998 BMW 318 vs. 1948 Bristol 400
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Bristol 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Bristol 400 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (6 cylinders), 1948 Bristol 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 318 (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 400. (79 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1948 Bristol 400. 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 318 (180 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 400. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1948 Bristol 400 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 318 | 400 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1948 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 54 L |
