2006 BMW 523 vs. 1963 Bristol 408
To start off, 2006 BMW 523 is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Bristol 408. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Bristol 408 would be higher. At 5,129 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 Bristol 408 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Bristol 408 (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2006 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1963 Bristol 408 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 523 weights approximately 47 kg more than 1963 Bristol 408.
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, 1963 Bristol 408 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1963 Bristol 408 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 523. 1963 Bristol 408 has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW 523 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW 523 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1963 Bristol 408 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 523 | 1963 Bristol 408 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 523 | 408 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 5129 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 463 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 98.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 72 L |
