1976 Bristol 603 vs. 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis 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 Mercury Grand Marquis (224 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 82 kg more than 1976 Bristol 603. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Mercury Grand Marquis (372 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Bristol 603. (333 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Bristol 603.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 603 | 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercury |
| Model | 603 | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 224 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 372 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1867 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5385 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1989 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2911 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 72 L |
