2009 BMW M3 vs. 1958 Bristol 406
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Bristol 406. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Bristol 406 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 323 more horse power than 1958 Bristol 406. (91 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1958 Bristol 406.
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 M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Bristol 406.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1958 Bristol 406 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | M3 | 406 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 2216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.1 mm | 68.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 99.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 81 L |
