1976 Bristol 603 vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 30 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, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (190 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 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 365 kg more than 2006 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 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8. 1976 Bristol 603 has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2006 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 | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Bristol | Mazda |
| Model | 603 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 223 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 | 1420 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 |
