2008 BMW M3 vs. 1955 Bristol 403
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Bristol 403. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Bristol 403 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 252 more horse power than 1955 Bristol 403. (87 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1955 Bristol 403. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 345 kg more than 1955 Bristol 403. 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 M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Bristol 403. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Bristol 403.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 1955 Bristol 403 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | M3 | 403 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 339 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2900 mm |
