1976 Bristol 603 vs. 2009 Ford Focus
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 33 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 16 more horse power than 2009 Ford Focus. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Bristol 603 should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 519 kg more than 2009 Ford Focus. 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, 2009 Ford Focus, 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 155 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Focus. (178 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 603 | 2009 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Bristol | Ford |
| Model | 603 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 55 L |
