1976 Bristol 603 vs. 2011 BMW M3
To start off, 2011 BMW M3 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 M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 269 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 130 kg more than 2011 BMW M3.
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, 2011 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Bristol 603. (333 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2011 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Bristol 603. 1976 Bristol 603 has automatic transmission and 2011 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2011 BMW M3 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 | 2011 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Bristol | BMW |
| Model | 603 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 63 L |
