1976 Bristol 603 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat (190 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 363 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2005 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1976 Bristol 603. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (280 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. 1976 Bristol 603 has automatic transmission and 2005 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2005 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 603 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 2771 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 238 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 62 L |
