2009 BMW 120 vs. 1976 Bristol 603
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 33 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, 2009 BMW 120 (154 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 465 kg more than 2009 BMW 120.
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 133 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1976 Bristol 603 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 120 | 603 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 5210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 333 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 81 L |
