1998 BMW 318 vs. 1959 Bristol 406
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Bristol 406. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Bristol 406 would be higher. At 2,216 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Bristol 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 318 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1959 Bristol 406. (91 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1959 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 179 kg more than 1959 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, 1959 Bristol 406 (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (169 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1959 Bristol 406 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1959 Bristol 406 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 318 | 406 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 81 L |
