1976 Bristol 603 vs. 1956 Holden FE
To start off, 1976 Bristol 603 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Holden FE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Holden FE 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 85 more horse power than 1956 Holden FE. (60 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Bristol 603 should accelerate faster than 1956 Holden FE. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 805 kg more than 1956 Holden FE. 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 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Holden FE. (151 Nm @ 1200 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Holden FE. 1976 Bristol 603 has automatic transmission and 1956 Holden FE has manual transmission. 1956 Holden FE 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 | 1956 Holden FE | |
| Make | Bristol | Holden |
| Model | 603 | FE |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 2166 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2670 mm |
