1953 Bristol 403 vs. 1956 Volvo 120
To start off, 1956 Volvo 120 is newer by 3 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 1,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1953 Bristol 403 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1953 Bristol 403 (86 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1956 Volvo 120. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1953 Bristol 403 should accelerate faster than 1956 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Bristol 403 weights approximately 230 kg more than 1956 Volvo 120. 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, 1953 Bristol 403 (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volvo 120. (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1953 Bristol 403 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Bristol 403 | 1956 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Bristol | Volvo |
| Model | 403 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2610 mm |
