1976 Bristol 603 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Polo 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 45 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Polo. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Bristol 603 should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 522 kg more than 1976 Bristol 603.
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 Volkswagen Polo, 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 193 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Polo. (140 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Polo. 1976 Bristol 603 has automatic transmission and 2009 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 2009 Volkswagen Polo 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 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 603 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 179 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 | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 45 L |
