1997 Bentley Continental vs. 1976 Bristol 603
To start off, 1997 Bentley Continental is newer by 21 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 6,750 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Bentley Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Bentley Continental (421 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 276 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Bentley Continental should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Bentley Continental weights approximately 665 kg more than 1976 Bristol 603. 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, 1997 Bentley Continental (875 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 542 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Bristol 603. (333 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1997 Bentley Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Bristol 603.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Bentley Continental | 1976 Bristol 603 | |
| Make | Bentley | Bristol |
| Model | Continental | 603 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6750 cc | 5210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 421 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 875 Nm | 333 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2450 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5250 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2060 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3120 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 81 L |
