1976 Bristol 603 vs. 2012 BMW 318
To start off, 2012 BMW 318 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, 1976 Bristol 603 (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2012 BMW 318. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Bristol 603 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 290 kg more than 2012 BMW 318. 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, 1976 Bristol 603 (333 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 318. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 318. 1976 Bristol 603 has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW 318 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 318 | |
| Make | Bristol | BMW |
| Model | 603 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 57 L |
