2009 BMW 120 vs. 1979 Bristol 412
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Bristol 412. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Bristol 412 would be higher. At 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Bristol 412 (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Bristol 412 weights approximately 165 kg more than 2009 BMW 120. 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, 1979 Bristol 412 (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (341 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1979 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1979 Bristol 412 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 120 | 412 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 5898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 341 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2910 mm |
