2009 BMW 523 vs. 1948 Bristol 400
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 61 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Bristol 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Bristol 400 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 400. (79 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 400.
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 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 400. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 523 | 1948 Bristol 400 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 523 | 400 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1948 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 54 L |
