1976 Bristol 603 vs. 2002 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2002 Ford Taurus is newer by 26 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, 2002 Ford Taurus (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 308 kg more than 2002 Ford Taurus.
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, 2002 Ford Taurus, 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 89 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Taurus. (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 603 | 2002 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Bristol | Ford |
| Model | 603 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 2933 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1477 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 68 L |
