2004 BMW 320 vs. 1961 Bristol 406
To start off, 2004 BMW 320 is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Bristol 406. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Bristol 406 would be higher. At 2,216 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Bristol 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 320 (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1961 Bristol 406. (92 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1961 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 320 weights approximately 210 kg more than 1961 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 320 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Bristol 406.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 320 | 1961 Bristol 406 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 320 | 406 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1961 |
| 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 | 168 HP | 92 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 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 | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 81 L |
