1976 Bristol 603 vs. 1987 TVR 420
To start off, 1987 TVR 420 is newer by 11 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, 1987 TVR 420 (300 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 TVR 420 should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 615 kg more than 1987 TVR 420.
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, 1987 TVR 420 (393 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Bristol 603. (333 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1987 TVR 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Bristol 603. 1976 Bristol 603 has automatic transmission and 1987 TVR 420 has manual transmission. 1987 TVR 420 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 | 1987 TVR 420 | |
| Make | Bristol | TVR |
| Model | 603 | 420 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 4225 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 393 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 266 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2390 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 59 L |
