1976 Bristol 603 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 21 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 204 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 75 kg more than 1997 Mercedes-Benz E.
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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (531 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Bristol 603. (333 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Bristol 603.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 603 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 603 | E |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 531 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| 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 | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 80 L |
