1952 Bristol 401 vs. 1955 Bristol 403
To start off, 1955 Bristol 403 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Bristol 401 would be higher. Both 1952 Bristol 401 and 1955 Bristol 403 are equipped with a 1,971 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Bristol 403 (87 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1952 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1955 Bristol 403 should accelerate faster than 1952 Bristol 401.
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, 1955 Bristol 403 (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1955 Bristol 403 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Bristol 401 | 1955 Bristol 403 | |
| Make | Bristol | Bristol |
| Model | 401 | 403 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2900 mm |
