1976 Bristol 603 vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE
To start off, 1976 Bristol 603 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Bristol 603 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE (169 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 325 kg more than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE.
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 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 603 | 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 603 | SE |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 65 L |
