1976 Bristol 603 vs. 1981 Nissan Patrol
To start off, 1981 Nissan Patrol is newer by 5 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 51 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Patrol. (94 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Bristol 603 should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Patrol. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Patrol weights approximately 290 kg more than 1976 Bristol 603.
Because 1981 Nissan Patrol is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1976 Bristol 603. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Patrol will offer significantly more control. 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 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Patrol. (215 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Patrol. 1976 Bristol 603 has automatic transmission and 1981 Nissan Patrol has manual transmission. 1981 Nissan Patrol 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 | 1981 Nissan Patrol | |
| Make | Bristol | Nissan |
| Model | 603 | Patrol |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 2075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2980 mm |
