2004 BMW 120 vs. 1959 Bristol 406
To start off, 2004 BMW 120 is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Bristol 406. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Bristol 406 would be higher. At 2,216 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Bristol 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 120 (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1959 Bristol 406. (91 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1959 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 120 weights approximately 119 kg more than 1959 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, 2004 BMW 120 (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Bristol 406.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 120 | 1959 Bristol 406 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 120 | 406 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 68.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 99.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 81 L |
