1976 Bristol 603 vs. 1978 Datsun 280Z
To start off, 1978 Datsun 280Z is newer by 2 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, 1978 Datsun 280Z (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Datsun 280Z should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 585 kg more than 1978 Datsun 280Z.
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 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Datsun 280Z. (221 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Datsun 280Z. 1976 Bristol 603 has automatic transmission and 1978 Datsun 280Z has manual transmission. 1978 Datsun 280Z 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 | 1978 Datsun 280Z | |
| Make | Bristol | Datsun |
| Model | 603 | 280Z |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1631 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2304 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 60 L |
