1976 Bristol 603 vs. 2008 BMW 530
To start off, 2008 BMW 530 is newer by 32 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, 2008 BMW 530 (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 115 kg more than 2008 BMW 530.
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, 2008 BMW 530 (500 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Bristol 603. (333 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Bristol 603.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 603 | 2008 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Bristol | BMW |
| Model | 603 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 70 L |
