1976 Bristol 603 vs. 2008 Mazda 3
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 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 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 475 kg more than 2008 Mazda 3.
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, 2008 Mazda 3, 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, 1976 Bristol 603 (333 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3. 1976 Bristol 603 has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda 3 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 | 2008 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Bristol | Mazda |
| Model | 603 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 55 L |
