1976 Bristol 603 vs. 2012 Aston Martin DB9
To start off, 2012 Aston Martin DB9 is newer by 36 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 5,900 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Aston Martin DB9 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Aston Martin DB9 (470 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 325 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Aston Martin DB9 should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Aston Martin DB9 weights approximately 70 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, 2012 Aston Martin DB9 (600 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 267 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Bristol 603. (333 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 Aston Martin DB9 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Bristol 603.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 603 | 2012 Aston Martin DB9 | |
| Make | Bristol | Aston Martin |
| Model | 603 | DB9 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 5900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 470 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4709 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1875 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2746 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 80 L |
