2005 BMW 530 vs. 1961 Bristol 406
To start off, 2005 BMW 530 is newer by 44 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 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 530 (227 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1961 Bristol 406. (92 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1961 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 530 weights approximately 375 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, 2005 BMW 530 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Bristol 406. 2005 BMW 530 has automatic transmission and 1961 Bristol 406 has manual transmission. 1961 Bristol 406 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 BMW 530 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 530 | 1961 Bristol 406 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 530 | 406 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2999 cc | 2216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 92 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 68.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 99.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 81 L |
