1976 Bristol 603 vs. 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante
To start off, 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante is newer by 4 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 5,339 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 29 kg more than 1976 Bristol 603. 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, 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante (434 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Bristol 603. (333 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Bristol 603.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 603 | 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante | |
| Make | Bristol | Aston Martin |
| Model | 603 | V8 Volante |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 5339 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1814 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 97 L |
