1976 Bristol 603 vs. 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 1998 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 22 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, 1998 Chevrolet Malibu (149 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 399 kg more than 1998 Chevrolet Malibu.
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, 1998 Chevrolet Malibu, 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 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 603 | 1998 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Bristol | Chevrolet |
| Model | 603 | Malibu |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 2392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 76 L |
