1976 Bristol 603 vs. 1949 GAZ M-20
To start off, 1976 Bristol 603 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 GAZ M-20. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 GAZ M-20 would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Bristol 603 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Bristol 603 (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1949 GAZ M-20. (51 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Bristol 603 should accelerate faster than 1949 GAZ M-20. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 325 kg more than 1949 GAZ M-20. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1976 Bristol 603 (333 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 GAZ M-20. (125 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 GAZ M-20. 1976 Bristol 603 has automatic transmission and 1949 GAZ M-20 has manual transmission. 1949 GAZ M-20 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Bristol 603 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 603 | 1949 GAZ M-20 | |
| Make | Bristol | GAZ |
| Model | 603 | M-20 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1949 |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 2118 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2710 mm |
