2003 BMW M3 vs. 1976 Bristol 603
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 27 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, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 400 kg more than 2003 BMW M3.
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, 2003 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Bristol 603. (333 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Bristol 603. 1976 Bristol 603 has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW M3 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:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1976 Bristol 603 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | M3 | 603 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 5210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 333 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 259 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 81 L |
