1976 Bristol 603 vs. 1973 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1976 Bristol 603 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Pontiac Firebird 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 37 more horse power than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Bristol 603 should accelerate faster than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 315 kg more than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. 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 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 603 | 1973 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Bristol | Pontiac |
| Model | 603 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 4092 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2750 mm |
