1976 Bristol 603 vs. 2012 BMW 1 Series
To start off, 2012 BMW 1 Series 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 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Bristol 603 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 1 Series (335 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 1 Series should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 215 kg more than 2012 BMW 1 Series.
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 BMW 1 Series (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Bristol 603. (333 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 1 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Bristol 603. 1976 Bristol 603 has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW 1 Series has manual transmission. 2012 BMW 1 Series 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 | 2012 BMW 1 Series | |
| Make | Bristol | BMW |
| Model | 603 | 1 Series |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 53 L |
