1976 Bristol 603 vs. 1977 Renault 12
To start off, 1977 Renault 12 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Bristol 603. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Bristol 603 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 92 more horse power than 1977 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Bristol 603 should accelerate faster than 1977 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 835 kg more than 1977 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Bristol 603 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1976 Bristol 603. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 Renault 12, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 237 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Renault 12. 1976 Bristol 603 has automatic transmission and 1977 Renault 12 has manual transmission. 1977 Renault 12 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 | 1977 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Bristol | Renault |
| Model | 603 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2450 mm |
