2005 BMW M3 vs. 1951 Bristol 401
To start off, 2005 BMW M3 is newer by 54 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 3,244 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW M3 (320 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 248 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW M3 weights approximately 465 kg more than 1951 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 (337 Nm) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 401. (145 Nm). This means 2005 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW M3 | 1951 Bristol 401 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | M3 | 401 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1951 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3244 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 337 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 96 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2900 mm |
