1998 BMW 320 vs. 1961 Bristol 407
To start off, 1998 BMW 320 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Bristol 407. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Bristol 407 would be higher. At 5,130 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 Bristol 407 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Bristol 407 (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1998 BMW 320. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Bristol 407 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Bristol 407 weights approximately 109 kg more than 1998 BMW 320. 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, 1961 Bristol 407 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 320. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1961 Bristol 407 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 1961 Bristol 407 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 320 | 407 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 5130 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 463 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 98.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1476 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 81 L |
