2004 BMW 316 vs. 1976 Bristol 603
To start off, 2004 BMW 316 is newer by 28 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, 1976 Bristol 603 (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2004 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Bristol 603 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 320 kg more than 2004 BMW 316. 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, 1976 Bristol 603 (333 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 316. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 316. 1976 Bristol 603 has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 316 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:
| 2004 BMW 316 | 1976 Bristol 603 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 316 | 603 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 5210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 333 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 81 L |
