1976 Bristol 603 vs. 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1976 Bristol 603 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Bristol 603 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL (149 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 485 kg more than 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL. (196 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 603 | 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 603 | SL |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 2306 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 52 L |
