2003 BMW 330 vs. 1962 Bristol 407
To start off, 2003 BMW 330 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Bristol 407. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Bristol 407 would be higher. At 5,129 cc (8 cylinders), 1962 Bristol 407 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Bristol 407 (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2003 BMW 330. (184 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1962 Bristol 407 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 330 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1962 Bristol 407.
Because 2003 BMW 330 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1962 Bristol 407. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 BMW 330 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1962 Bristol 407 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 330. (410 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1962 Bristol 407 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 330. 1962 Bristol 407 has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 330 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 330 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1962 Bristol 407 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 330 | 1962 Bristol 407 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 330 | 407 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 5129 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 184 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 463 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 98.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1805 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 81 L |
