1976 Bristol 603 vs. 1968 Chevrolet Nova
To start off, 1976 Bristol 603 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Chevrolet Nova (165 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Chevrolet Nova should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 225 kg more than 1968 Chevrolet Nova.
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, 1968 Chevrolet Nova (388 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Bristol 603. (333 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1968 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Bristol 603. 1976 Bristol 603 has automatic transmission and 1968 Chevrolet Nova has manual transmission. 1968 Chevrolet Nova 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 | 1968 Chevrolet Nova | |
| Make | Bristol | Chevrolet |
| Model | 603 | Nova |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 388 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2830 mm |
