1976 Bristol 603 vs. 2005 Jaguar XK8
To start off, 2005 Jaguar XK8 is newer by 29 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, 2005 Jaguar XK8 (294 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Jaguar XK8 should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Jaguar XK8 weights approximately 60 kg more than 1976 Bristol 603. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 Jaguar XK8 (411 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Bristol 603. (333 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2005 Jaguar XK8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Bristol 603.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 603 | 2005 Jaguar XK8 | |
| Make | Bristol | Jaguar |
| Model | 603 | XK8 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 4195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 294 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 411 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 | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 75 L |
