2004 BMW M5 vs. 1949 Bristol 401
To start off, 2004 BMW M5 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 4,999 cc (10 cylinders), 2004 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW M5 (500 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 428 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW M5 weights approximately 533 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 M5 (520 Nm @ 6100 RPM) has 375 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW M5 | 1949 Bristol 401 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | M5 | 401 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1949 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4999 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 520 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6100 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1758 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2900 mm |
