1976 Bristol 603 vs. 2007 Volvo S40
To start off, 2007 Volvo S40 is newer by 31 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, 1976 Bristol 603 (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2007 Volvo S40. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Bristol 603 should accelerate faster than 2007 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 285 kg more than 2007 Volvo S40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2007 Volvo S40, 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, 2007 Volvo S40 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Bristol 603. (333 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2007 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Bristol 603. 1976 Bristol 603 has automatic transmission and 2007 Volvo S40 has manual transmission. 2007 Volvo S40 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 | 2007 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Bristol | Volvo |
| Model | 603 | S40 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 55 L |
