1976 Bristol 603 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle 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 Volkswagen Beetle (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 425 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle.
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 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 1976 Bristol 603 (333 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 603 | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Bristol | Volkswagen |
| Model | 603 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4277 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 55 L |
