1976 Bristol 603 vs. 1975 Volvo 260
To start off, 1976 Bristol 603 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Bristol 603 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Volvo 260 (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 435 kg more than 1975 Volvo 260.
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 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Volvo 260. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Volvo 260. 1976 Bristol 603 has automatic transmission and 1975 Volvo 260 has manual transmission. 1975 Volvo 260 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 | 1975 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Bristol | Volvo |
| Model | 603 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2660 mm |
