2009 BMW 550 vs. 1963 Bristol 408
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Bristol 408. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Bristol 408 would be higher. At 5,129 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 Bristol 408 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1963 Bristol 408. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1963 Bristol 408.
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 550 (491 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Bristol 408. (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Bristol 408. 1963 Bristol 408 has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 550 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 550 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1963 Bristol 408 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 550 | 1963 Bristol 408 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 550 | 408 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 5129 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 491 Nm | 463 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 98.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 72 L |
