2009 BMW 320 vs. 1976 Bristol 603
To start off, 2009 BMW 320 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 320 (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 170 kg more than 2009 BMW 320.
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 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 320. (211 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 320. 1976 Bristol 603 has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 320 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:
| 2009 BMW 320 | 1976 Bristol 603 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 320 | 603 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 5210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 333 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 81 L |
