1976 Bristol 603 vs. 1990 Vauxhall Nova
To start off, 1990 Vauxhall Nova is newer by 14 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 101 more horse power than 1990 Vauxhall Nova. (44 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Bristol 603 should accelerate faster than 1990 Vauxhall Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 1045 kg more than 1990 Vauxhall Nova. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Bristol 603 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1976 Bristol 603. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Vauxhall Nova, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Vauxhall Nova. (68 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Vauxhall Nova. 1976 Bristol 603 has automatic transmission and 1990 Vauxhall Nova has manual transmission. 1990 Vauxhall Nova 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 | 1990 Vauxhall Nova | |
| Make | Bristol | Vauxhall |
| Model | 603 | Nova |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 68 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2350 mm |
