1976 Bristol 603 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 Mercedes-Benz SLK (215 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 370 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
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) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (311 Nm). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 603 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 603 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 3196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 311 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 60 L |
