1976 Bristol 603 vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 34 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 365 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 560 kg more than 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 497 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Bristol 603. (333 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Bristol 603.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 603 | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 603 | SL |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 80 L |
