1976 Bristol 603 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 373 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 459 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL.
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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (630 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 297 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Bristol 603. (333 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Bristol 603.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 603 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 603 | CL |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2960 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 90 L |
