1976 Bristol 603 vs. 2003 Lancia Thesis
To start off, 2003 Lancia Thesis is newer by 27 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, 2003 Lancia Thesis (182 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lancia Thesis should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 90 kg more than 2003 Lancia Thesis.
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, 2003 Lancia Thesis, 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 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lancia Thesis. (305 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lancia Thesis. 1976 Bristol 603 has automatic transmission and 2003 Lancia Thesis has manual transmission. 2003 Lancia Thesis 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 | 2003 Lancia Thesis | |
| Make | Bristol | Lancia |
| Model | 603 | Thesis |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 75 L |
