2005 BMW M3 vs. 1950 Bristol 401
To start off, 2005 BMW M3 is newer by 55 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1950 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1950 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW M3 (323 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 251 more horse power than 1950 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1950 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW M3 weights approximately 475 kg more than 1950 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, 2005 BMW M3 (372 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 227 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW M3 | 1950 Bristol 401 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | M3 | 401 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1950 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 323 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 372 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2900 mm |
