1976 Bristol 603 vs. 2004 Mazda 6
To start off, 2004 Mazda 6 is newer by 28 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, 2004 Mazda 6 (164 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 320 kg more than 2004 Mazda 6.
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, 2004 Mazda 6, 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 126 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 6. (207 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 6. 1976 Bristol 603 has automatic transmission and 2004 Mazda 6 has manual transmission. 2004 Mazda 6 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 | 2004 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Bristol | Mazda |
| Model | 603 | 6 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 2184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 207 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 64 L |
