1976 Bristol 603 vs. 1978 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1978 Triumph Spitfire 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, 1976 Bristol 603 (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. (56 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Bristol 603 should accelerate faster than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 970 kg more than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. 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 232 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. (101 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 603 | 1978 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Bristol | Triumph |
| Model | 603 | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 33 L |
