1976 Bristol 603 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 20 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 5,985 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 244 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 395 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Bristol 603. (333 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Bristol 603.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 603 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 603 | S |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 5985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 2180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 100 L |
