1953 Bristol 403 vs. 1982 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1982 Lotus Esprit is newer by 29 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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1953 Bristol 403. (86 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Lotus Esprit 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 1982 Lotus Esprit.
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, 1982 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Bristol 403. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1982 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Bristol 403.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Bristol 403 | 1982 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Bristol | Lotus |
| Model | 403 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| 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 | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 31 L |
