1976 Bristol 603 vs. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 15 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, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 (231 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 115 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, 1976 Bristol 603 (333 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300. (310 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300. 1976 Bristol 603 has automatic transmission and 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 has manual transmission. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 | 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 603 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 100 L |
