1976 Bristol 603 vs. 1972 TVR 1600
To start off, 1976 Bristol 603 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 TVR 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 TVR 1600 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 61 more horse power than 1972 TVR 1600. (84 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Bristol 603 should accelerate faster than 1972 TVR 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 889 kg more than 1972 TVR 1600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 208 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 TVR 1600. (125 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 TVR 1600. 1976 Bristol 603 has automatic transmission and 1972 TVR 1600 has manual transmission. 1972 TVR 1600 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 | 1972 TVR 1600 | |
| Make | Bristol | TVR |
| Model | 603 | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 1599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 84 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| 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 | 896 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2290 mm |
