1976 Bristol 603 vs. 2013 Mazda SPEED3
To start off, 2013 Mazda SPEED3 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 Mazda SPEED3 (259 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mazda SPEED3 should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 324 kg more than 2013 Mazda SPEED3.
Because 1976 Bristol 603 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1976 Bristol 603. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Mazda SPEED3, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Mazda SPEED3 (380 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Bristol 603. (333 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2013 Mazda SPEED3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Bristol 603. 1976 Bristol 603 has automatic transmission and 2013 Mazda SPEED3 has manual transmission. 2013 Mazda SPEED3 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 | 2013 Mazda SPEED3 | |
| Make | Bristol | Mazda |
| Model | 603 | SPEED3 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 259 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 60 L |
