1999 BMW 540 vs. 1955 Bristol 403
To start off, 1999 BMW 540 is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Bristol 403. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Bristol 403 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 1955 Bristol 403. (87 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1955 Bristol 403. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 540 weights approximately 546 kg more than 1955 Bristol 403. 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, 1999 BMW 540 (439 Nm) has 293 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Bristol 403. (146 Nm). This means 1999 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Bristol 403.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 540 | 1955 Bristol 403 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 540 | 403 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 439 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1771 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2900 mm |
