1953 Bristol 403 vs. 1954 Rover P4
To start off, 1954 Rover P4 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Bristol 403. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Bristol 403 would be higher. At 2,230 cc (6 cylinders), 1954 Rover P4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1953 Bristol 403 (86 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1954 Rover P4. (80 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1953 Bristol 403 should accelerate faster than 1954 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Rover P4 weights approximately 259 kg more than 1953 Bristol 403.
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, 1954 Rover P4 (153 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Bristol 403. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1954 Rover P4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Bristol 403.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Bristol 403 | 1954 Rover P4 | |
| Make | Bristol | Rover |
| Model | 403 | P4 |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 2230 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 7.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1484 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 52 L |
