1976 Bristol 603 vs. 1959 Saab 95
To start off, 1976 Bristol 603 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Saab 95. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Saab 95 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 108 more horse power than 1959 Saab 95. (37 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Bristol 603 should accelerate faster than 1959 Saab 95. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 875 kg more than 1959 Saab 95. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Bristol 603 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1976 Bristol 603. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Saab 95, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 251 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Saab 95. (82 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Saab 95. 1976 Bristol 603 has automatic transmission and 1959 Saab 95 has manual transmission. 1959 Saab 95 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 | 1959 Saab 95 | |
| Make | Bristol | Saab |
| Model | 603 | 95 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 841 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 37 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 60 L |
