1976 Bristol 603 vs. 1998 Holden Nova
To start off, 1998 Holden Nova 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, 1976 Bristol 603 (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1998 Holden Nova. (105 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Bristol 603 should accelerate faster than 1998 Holden Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 695 kg more than 1998 Holden Nova. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Holden Nova, 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 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Holden Nova. (135 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Holden Nova.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 603 | 1998 Holden Nova | |
| Make | Bristol | Holden |
| Model | 603 | Nova |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2470 mm |
