2008 BMW 330 vs. 1949 Bristol 401
To start off, 2008 BMW 330 is newer by 59 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 330 (228 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 330 weights approximately 317 kg more than 1949 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, 2008 BMW 330 (480 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 335 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 401. 2008 BMW 330 has automatic transmission and 1949 Bristol 401 has manual transmission. 1949 Bristol 401 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 330 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 330 | 1949 Bristol 401 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 330 | 401 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1949 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2900 mm |
