1976 Bristol 603 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1976 Bristol 603 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Bristol 603 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz S (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 175 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz S.
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 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz S. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 603 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 603 | S |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 85 L |
