2001 BMW 318 vs. 1948 Bristol 401
To start off, 2001 BMW 318 is newer by 53 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 1,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1948 Bristol 401 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW 318 (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 401. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 318 weights approximately 75 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, 2001 BMW 318 (167 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 1948 Bristol 401 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 318 | 401 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1948 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 77 L |
