2009 BMW 320 vs. 1979 Bristol 412
To start off, 2009 BMW 320 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 30 more horse power than 2009 BMW 320. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 320.
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 176 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 320. (190 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1979 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 320 | 1979 Bristol 412 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 320 | 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 | 141 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2910 mm |
