2009 BMW 135 vs. 1948 Bristol 401
To start off, 2009 BMW 135 is newer by 61 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 135 (302 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 217 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 401. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 135 should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 135 weights approximately 95 kg more than 1948 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, 2009 BMW 135 (400 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 135 | 1948 Bristol 401 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 135 | 401 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1948 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 1969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 161 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 77 L |
