2003 BMW 545 vs. 1949 Bristol 401
To start off, 2003 BMW 545 is newer by 54 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 545 (328 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 256 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 545 weights approximately 480 kg more than 1949 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, 2003 BMW 545 (450 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 305 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 545 | 1949 Bristol 401 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 545 | 401 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1949 |
| 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 | 328 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 96 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2900 mm |
