1985 BMW M5 vs. 1976 Bristol 603
To start off, 1985 BMW M5 is newer by 9 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, 1985 BMW M5 (256 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 285 kg more than 1985 BMW M5.
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 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 BMW M5. (290 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 BMW M5. 1976 Bristol 603 has automatic transmission and 1985 BMW M5 has manual transmission. 1985 BMW M5 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:
| 1985 BMW M5 | 1976 Bristol 603 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | M5 | 603 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 5210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 333 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 81 L |
