1976 Bristol 603 vs. 1971 Ford GT 40
To start off, 1976 Bristol 603 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford GT 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford GT 40 would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Bristol 603 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Ford GT 40 (350 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 205 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Ford GT 40 should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 825 kg more than 1971 Ford GT 40.
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) has 248 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford GT 40. (85 Nm). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford GT 40. 1976 Bristol 603 has automatic transmission and 1971 Ford GT 40 has manual transmission. 1971 Ford GT 40 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 | 1971 Ford GT 40 | |
| Make | Bristol | Ford |
| Model | 603 | GT 40 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 4195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 980 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 125 L |
