1998 BMW 318 vs. 1955 Bristol 403
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Bristol 403. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Bristol 403 would be higher. At 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1955 Bristol 403 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 318 (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1955 Bristol 403. (87 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1955 Bristol 403. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 90 kg more than 1955 Bristol 403. 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 @ 4300 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Bristol 403. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Bristol 403. 1998 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1955 Bristol 403 has manual transmission. 1955 Bristol 403 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1955 Bristol 403 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 318 | 403 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1893 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2900 mm |
