1976 Bristol 603 vs. 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 19 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, 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 267 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 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (280 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 603 | 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 603 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 2295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| 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 | 2052 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 53 L |
