1997 BMW 850 vs. 1976 Bristol 603
To start off, 1997 BMW 850 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 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 160 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 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Bristol 603. (333 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Bristol 603.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 1976 Bristol 603 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 850 | 603 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 5210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 333 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| 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 | 1945 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2910 mm |
