1976 Bristol 603 vs. 2012 SSC Tuatara
To start off, 2012 SSC Tuatara 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 6,932 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 SSC Tuatara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 SSC Tuatara (1,350 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 1205 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 SSC Tuatara should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 538 kg more than 2012 SSC Tuatara.
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 SSC Tuatara (1,042 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 709 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Bristol 603. (333 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 SSC Tuatara 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 SSC Tuatara has manual transmission. 2012 SSC Tuatara 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 SSC Tuatara | |
| Make | Bristol | SSC |
| Model | 603 | Tuatara |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 6932 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 1350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 1042 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1991 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1092 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2667 mm |
