2006 BMW 550 vs. 1958 Bristol 406
To start off, 2006 BMW 550 is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Bristol 406. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Bristol 406 would be higher. At 4,801 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 269 more horse power than 1958 Bristol 406. (91 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1958 Bristol 406.
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, 2006 BMW 550 (488 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 314 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Bristol 406.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 550 | 1958 Bristol 406 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 550 | 406 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4801 cc | 2216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 68.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 99.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 81 L |
