2004 BMW 535 vs. 1978 Bristol 412
To start off, 2004 BMW 535 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Bristol 412. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Bristol 412 would be higher. At 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 535 (268 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 535 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1978 Bristol 412. 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 535 (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Bristol 412.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 535 | 1978 Bristol 412 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 535 | 412 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 5898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 560 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2910 mm |
