2003 BMW 520 vs. 1958 Bristol 406
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Bristol 406. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Bristol 406 would be higher. At 2,216 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Bristol 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1958 Bristol 406. (91 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1958 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 300 kg more than 1958 Bristol 406. 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, 2003 BMW 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Bristol 406.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 1958 Bristol 406 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 520 | 406 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 68.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 99.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 172 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 81 L |
