1976 Bristol 603 vs. 2009 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2009 Lotus Exige 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, 2009 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603.
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, 1976 Bristol 603 (333 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Exige. (231 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Exige. 1976 Bristol 603 has automatic transmission and 2009 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2009 Lotus Exige 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 | 2009 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Bristol | Lotus |
| Model | 603 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 40 L |
