2003 BMW M3 vs. 1958 Bristol 405
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Bristol 405. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Bristol 405 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 242 more horse power than 1958 Bristol 405. (100 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1958 Bristol 405. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 143 kg more than 1958 Bristol 405. 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 M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Bristol 405. (152 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Bristol 405.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1958 Bristol 405 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | M3 | 405 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 72 L |
