2009 BMW M3 vs. 1966 Bristol 409
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Bristol 409. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Bristol 409 would be higher. At 5,211 cc (8 cylinders), 1966 Bristol 409 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 199 more horse power than 1966 Bristol 409. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1966 Bristol 409.
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, 1966 Bristol 409 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW M3. (295 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1966 Bristol 409 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW M3. 1966 Bristol 409 has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1966 Bristol 409 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1966 Bristol 409 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | M3 | 409 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 5211 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 295 Nm | 463 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 81 L |
