1976 Bristol 603 vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS 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 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 43 kg more than 2012 Lexus IS.
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 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lexus IS. (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lexus IS. 1976 Bristol 603 has automatic transmission and 2012 Lexus IS has manual transmission. 2012 Lexus IS 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 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Bristol | Lexus |
| Model | 603 | IS |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1742 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4633 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 65 L |
