1996 BMW Z3 vs. 1976 Bristol 603
To start off, 1996 BMW Z3 is newer by 20 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, 1976 Bristol 603 (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1996 BMW Z3. (141 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Bristol 603 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 155 kg more than 1996 BMW Z3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW Z3. (180 Nm). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW Z3. 1976 Bristol 603 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW Z3 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW Z3 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:
| 1996 BMW Z3 | 1976 Bristol 603 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | Z3 | 603 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 5210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 333 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 186 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 81 L |
