2009 BMW 120 vs. 1959 Bristol 406
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Bristol 406. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Bristol 406 would be higher. At 2,216 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Bristol 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (154 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1959 Bristol 406. (91 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1959 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 54 kg more than 1959 Bristol 406. 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, 2009 BMW 120 (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Bristol 406. 2009 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1959 Bristol 406 has manual transmission. 1959 Bristol 406 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1959 Bristol 406 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 120 | 406 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 68.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 99.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 81 L |
