1998 BMW 740 vs. 1948 Bristol 401
To start off, 1998 BMW 740 is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 740 (286 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 401. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 740 weights approximately 743 kg more than 1948 Bristol 401. 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 740 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 295 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 740 | 1948 Bristol 401 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 740 | 401 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1948 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 286 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 96 mm |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 161 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1968 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 77 L |
