2004 BMW 325 vs. 1949 Bristol 401
To start off, 2004 BMW 325 is newer by 55 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 325 (116 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 325 weights approximately 110 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, 2004 BMW 325 (222 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 325 | 1949 Bristol 401 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 325 | 401 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1949 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2900 mm |
