1976 Bristol 603 vs. 1999 Mercury Sable
To start off, 1999 Mercury Sable is newer by 23 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, 1999 Mercury Sable (197 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1999 Mercury Sable.
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, 1999 Mercury Sable, 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 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Sable. (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Sable.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 603 | 1999 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercury |
| Model | 603 | Sable |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 68 L |
