1998 BMW 318 vs. 1958 Bristol 406
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Bristol 406. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Bristol 406 would be higher. At 2,216 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Bristol 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 318 (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1958 Bristol 406. (91 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1958 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 50 kg more than 1958 Bristol 406. 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 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Bristol 406.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1958 Bristol 406 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 318 | 406 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 68.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 99.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 81 L |
