1953 Bristol 403 vs. 1978 Renault 18
To start off, 1978 Renault 18 is newer by 25 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Renault 18 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Renault 18 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1953 Bristol 403. (86 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Renault 18 should accelerate faster than 1953 Bristol 403. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Bristol 403 weights approximately 158 kg more than 1978 Renault 18.
Because 1953 Bristol 403 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1953 Bristol 403. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Renault 18, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1978 Renault 18 (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Bristol 403. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Renault 18 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Bristol 403.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Bristol 403 | 1978 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Bristol | Renault |
| Model | 403 | 18 |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 82 mm |
| Top Speed | 164 km/hour | 171 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 53 L |
