2008 BMW 320 vs. 1978 Bristol 412
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Bristol 412. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Bristol 412 would be higher. At 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Bristol 412 (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 10 kg more than 2008 BMW 320. 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, 1978 Bristol 412 (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 320. (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 320. 1978 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Bristol 412 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 320 | 1978 Bristol 412 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 320 | 412 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 5898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2910 mm |
