2003 BMW 520 vs. 1964 Bristol 408
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Bristol 408. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Bristol 408 would be higher. At 5,130 cc (8 cylinders), 1964 Bristol 408 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1964 Bristol 408 (216 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1964 Bristol 408 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 115 kg more than 1964 Bristol 408.
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, 1964 Bristol 408 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 253 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1964 Bristol 408 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 1964 Bristol 408 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 520 | 408 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1964 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 5130 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 463 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 98.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 81 L |
