1976 Bristol 603 vs. 2013 BMW 5 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 5 Series is newer by 37 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, 2013 BMW 5 Series (439 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 294 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 Series should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 5 Series weights approximately 435 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.
Because 2013 BMW 5 Series is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1976 Bristol 603. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 Series will offer significantly more control. 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, 2013 BMW 5 Series (651 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 318 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Bristol 603. (333 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 5 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Bristol 603.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 603 | 2013 BMW 5 Series | |
| Make | Bristol | BMW |
| Model | 603 | 5 Series |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 4395 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 439 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 651 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0 :1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 2220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4999 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 2132 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1559 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3070 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 70 L |
