2007 BMW 523 vs. 1950 Bristol 401
To start off, 2007 BMW 523 is newer by 57 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1950 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1950 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 523 weights approximately 265 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, 2007 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 523 | 1950 Bristol 401 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 523 | 401 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1950 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2900 mm |
