1976 Bristol 603 vs. 2008 Jaguar XJ8
To start off, 2008 Jaguar XJ8 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 Jaguar XJ8 (300 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Jaguar XJ8 should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 75 kg more than 2008 Jaguar XJ8.
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 Jaguar XJ8 (420 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Bristol 603. (333 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2008 Jaguar XJ8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Bristol 603.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 603 | 2008 Jaguar XJ8 | |
| Make | Bristol | Jaguar |
| Model | 603 | XJ8 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3170 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 85 L |
