2009 BMW 550 vs. 1978 Bristol 412
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Bristol 412. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Bristol 412 would be higher. At 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 30 kg more than 2009 BMW 550.
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 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Bristol 412.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 550 | 1978 Bristol 412 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 550 | 412 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 5898 cc |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2910 mm |
