1953 Bristol 403 vs. 1958 Porsche 356
To start off, 1958 Porsche 356 is newer by 5 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 12 more horse power than 1958 Porsche 356. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1953 Bristol 403 should accelerate faster than 1958 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Bristol 403 weights approximately 430 kg more than 1958 Porsche 356. 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 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Porsche 356. (119 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1953 Bristol 403 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Bristol 403 | 1958 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Bristol | Porsche |
| Model | 403 | 356 |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 52 L |
