1976 Bristol 603 vs. 2001 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2001 Panoz Esperante is newer by 25 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, 2001 Panoz Esperante (317 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 515 kg more than 2001 Panoz Esperante.
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, 2001 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Bristol 603. (333 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2001 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Bristol 603. 1976 Bristol 603 has automatic transmission and 2001 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 2001 Panoz Esperante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Bristol 603 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 603 | 2001 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Bristol | Panoz |
| Model | 603 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 59 L |
