1998 BMW Z3 vs. 1976 Bristol 412
To start off, 1998 BMW Z3 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Bristol 412. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Bristol 412 would be higher. At 6,555 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW Z3 (240 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 412. (208 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 412 weights approximately 315 kg more than 1998 BMW Z3.
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, 1976 Bristol 412 (422 Nm) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW Z3. (320 Nm). This means 1976 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW Z3. 1976 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW Z3 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW Z3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Bristol 412 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW Z3 | 1976 Bristol 412 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | Z3 | 412 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 6555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 422 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2910 mm |
