Bristol 603 Britannia Brigand: generations, engines, specs and performance
The Bristol 603 Britannia Brigand is a Coupe Hardtop produced from 1976 to 1994 across 3 generations. The catalogue data lists 2 versions for the first generation and 1 version each for the second and third. Every version uses a front, longitudinal Gasoline engine, a 3-speed Automatic gearbox and RWD. The available engines are the 5.2 AT with 145 hp and the 5.9 AT with 170 hp.
The Bristol 603 Britannia Brigand is a Coupe Hardtop produced from 1976 to 1994 across 3 generations. The catalogue data lists 2 versions for the first generation and 1 version each for the second and third. Every version uses a front, longitudinal Gasoline engine, a 3-speed Automatic gearbox and RWD. The available engines are the 5.2 AT with 145 hp and the 5.9 AT with 170 hp.
Bristol 603 Britannia Brigand generations
The first generation ran from 1976 to 1978 and used the Coupe Hardtop body. It has 2 listed versions: the 5.9 AT with 170 hp and the 5.2 AT with 145 hp.
The second generation ran from 1978 to 1982, also as a Coupe Hardtop. Its single listed version is the 5.9 AT with 170 hp.
The third generation ran from 1982 to 1994 and retained the Coupe Hardtop body. It likewise has 1 listed version, the 5.9 AT with 170 hp.
Engine and specs
| Generation and version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 5.9 AT | 170 hp (127 kW) at 4000 rpm | 366 Nm at 2000 rpm | 5898 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First generation 5.2 AT | 145 hp (108 kW) at 4000 rpm | 333 Nm at 1600 rpm | 5210 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second generation 5.9 AT | 170 hp (127 kW) at 4000 rpm | 366 Nm at 2000 rpm | 5898 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Third generation 5.9 AT | 170 hp (127 kW) at 4000 rpm | 366 Nm at 2000 rpm | 5898 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
All listed engines have 2 valves per cylinder, use a Carburetor and are installed in the Front, longitudinal position. The 5.9 AT has a compression ratio of 8.4 and a bore and stroke of 101.6 × 90.93 mm. The 5.2 AT has a compression ratio of 8.5 and a bore and stroke of 99.31 × 84.07 mm.
Performance, mpg and economy
| Generation and version | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | City consumption | Highway consumption | Combined consumption | CO₂ | Emissions class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 5.9 AT | 8 seconds | 217 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| First generation 5.2 AT | 11.5 seconds | 181 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Second generation 5.9 AT | 8 seconds | 217 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Third generation 5.9 AT | 8 seconds | 217 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
The 5.9 AT is the stronger and faster option in the catalogue. Compared with the 5.2 AT, it has 25 hp more power, 33 Nm more torque and 688 cc more displacement. It reaches 100 km/h 3.5 seconds sooner and has a top speed that is 36 km/h higher.
Fuel-consumption figures are not measured for any listed Bristol 603 Britannia Brigand version, so city, highway and combined mpg cannot be calculated from the supplied data. CO₂ output and emissions class are also not measured.
Dimensions, weight and capacity
Overall exterior dimensions are not measured for any listed generation. Wheel sizes are also not measured.
The first-generation 5.9 AT and 5.2 AT each have a kerb weight of 1785 kg, a gross weight of 2290 kg, ground clearance of 130 mm and an 82-litre fuel tank. Their gross-to-kerb weight difference is 505 kg.
The second-generation 5.9 AT has a kerb weight of 1785 kg, a gross weight of 2290 kg, ground clearance of 130 mm and an 82-litre tank. Its gross-to-kerb weight difference is 505 kg.
The third-generation 5.9 AT has a kerb weight of 1746 kg, a gross weight of 2290 kg, ground clearance of 130 mm and an 82-litre tank. It is 39 kg lighter than the earlier listed 5.9 AT versions, while its gross weight remains the same. Its gross-to-kerb weight difference is 544 kg.
Every version has Independent, spring suspension at both the front and rear, with Disc brakes at both ends.
Reliability and problems
Reliability records and model-specific problem data are not measured in the supplied catalogue information. The available specifications therefore cannot support claims about common faults, maintenance frequency or long-term durability.
Which Bristol 603 Britannia Brigand version should you choose?
Choose the first-generation 5.2 AT if the lower-output specification suits your needs: it produces 145 hp and 333 Nm, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.5 seconds and reaches 181 km/h. It shares the same 1785 kg kerb weight, 2290 kg gross weight, 130 mm ground clearance and 82-litre tank as the first-generation 5.9 AT.
Choose a 5.9 AT if performance is the priority. Across all 3 generations, its listed specification is 170 hp, 366 Nm, 8 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h and a 217 km/h top speed. The first- and second-generation 5.9 AT versions weigh 1785 kg, while the third-generation 5.9 AT weighs 1746 kg. On the supplied figures, the third-generation 5.9 AT combines the same engine output and performance with the lowest kerb weight.
Fuel economy cannot separate the versions because consumption is not measured for any of them. Wheel sizes, exterior dimensions, CO₂ output and emissions class are likewise not measured, so those factors cannot be compared from the available data.