1976 Bristol 603 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat 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, 1976 Bristol 603 (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Bristol 603 should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 538 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2011 Volkswagen Passat, 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 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 603 | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 603 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 70 L |
