1988 BMW Z1 vs. 1976 Bristol 603
To start off, 1988 BMW Z1 is newer by 12 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, 1988 BMW Z1 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 535 kg more than 1988 BMW Z1.
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 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW Z1. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW Z1. 1976 Bristol 603 has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW Z1 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW Z1 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:
| 1988 BMW Z1 | 1976 Bristol 603 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | Z1 | 603 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 5210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 333 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2910 mm |
