1976 Bristol 603 vs. 2011 BMW 325
To start off, 2011 BMW 325 is newer by 35 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, 2011 BMW 325 (215 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 170 kg more than 2011 BMW 325.
Because 2011 BMW 325 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1976 Bristol 603. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 BMW 325 will offer significantly more control. 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 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 325. (270 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 603 | 2011 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Bristol | BMW |
| Model | 603 | 325 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 244 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 63 L |
