1976 Bristol 603 vs. 2003 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2003 Mazda RX-8 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 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 360 kg more than 2003 Mazda RX-8.
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, 1976 Bristol 603 (333 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda RX-8. 1976 Bristol 603 has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda RX-8 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 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Bristol | Mazda |
| Model | 603 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 61 L |
